2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational: Top 10 power rankings at Bay Hill
Paul Casey is back at the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the first time in four years.
He withdrew in his 2004 debut, but has since made four of six cuts at Bay Hill. The Englishman posted T-14th (64-70-73-64) in 2007 and T-9th (68-69-72-69) in 2016.
“I’ve always loved this golf course,” Casey was transcribed by ASAP Sports in 2016. “It’s a golf course I thoroughly enjoy. It fits my eye. I love it and it’s certainly a challenge a week which I’m enjoying.”
Casey’s results here are above average. His form coming into the week is much better than that.
A win at the European Tour’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic is right in the middle of a stretch to begin 2021 that includes T-8th in Palm Springs, T-12th in Saudi Arabia and T-5th at Pebble Beach.
Casey knows how to get it done in Florida. He’s twice a winner on the gulf side of the state at the Valspar Championship.
The Arizona State alum was one of few players to pass up the last two prestigious events on the schedule at Riviera and the WGC at The Concession. At age 43, it makes sense for Casey to pace himself with the Players Championship coming up.
I think the rest will suit him well against a field filled with guys playing for the third week or more in a row.
His ball striking can also stand up to the test if it gets breezy. He’s 35th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained tee to green (.811). Casey rarely fires off too many foul balls and should be able to navigate around Bay Hill’s plentiful water hazards.