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Arnold Palmer Invitational: Top 10 power rankings at Bay Hill

By Mike Randleman

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 22: A general view of the 18th hole is seen during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented By MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 22, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 22: A general view of the 18th hole is seen during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented By MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 22, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Xander Schauffele of the United States plays his shot from the 13th tee during the second round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on February 14, 2020 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Xander Schauffele of the United States plays his shot from the 13th tee during the second round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on February 14, 2020 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The only Arnold Palmer debutant in my top 10 this week is Xander Schauffele. I’m not sure why he’s skipped this event in year’s past, or what convinced him to give it a shot in 2020.

Either way, I like his chances to jump right in and contend. The X Man is building a reputation as one of golf’s more consistent players who picks up a win or two a season.

Schauffele seems due for a W as his last came in January 2019 at the Tournament of Champions. He’s posted four runner-up finishes since, including two this season at the WGC-HSBC Champions and Tournament of Champions.

The 26-year-old last teed it up two weeks ago at the WGC-Mexico where he posted a T-14. That was his third consecutive top 25 and seventh in his last eight starts.

The Californian hasn’t won in Florida, but he did contend at the 2018 Players Championship (T-2).

Schauffele is having a glorious year statistically. Just don’t look at his putting.

After finishing 46th in SG putting (.244) last season, he’s slipped to 175th (-.318). if he can just get closer to Tour average, he’ll win. That’s because he’s second in SG tee to green (1.991) and 23rd in SG around the green (.369).

Schauffele is a solid long iron and woods player and should do well with his four par-5 opportunities a day.

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