2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: Top 10 Power Rankings at Bay Hill
The Arnold Palmer Invitational was a microcosm of Matt Fitzpatrick’s career on the PGA Tour and in the United States until he broke through to win the 2022 U.S. Open. Tons of made cuts and high finishes, but no trophies to show for it.
The Englishman’s looked at home at Arnie’s place through the years, collecting six of eight cuts with every weekend played resulting in T-27th or better.
Fitz’s closest call came in 2019 when he fired 70-70-67 to take the 54-hole lead. A Sunday 71 was nothing to be too ashamed of, but Francesco Molinari surged with a 64 to win by two.
That began a streak of four top-10s. Fitzpatrick carded 70-75-75-69 for T-9th in 2020, 69-71-71-74 for T-10th in 2021, and 73-71-70-73 for T-9th and just four shots back last year.
“I like that it’s quite penal off the tee and missing the greens,” Fitzpatrick was transcribed by ASAP Sports in 2017.
"“If you really hit it well tee to green you can shoot some good scores. And I enjoy playing courses like this, it’s a challenge.”"
Fitzpatrick will look to rely on past form at this event more than recent play. He’s coming off a missed cut at the Genesis Invitational. He does have top-30s in 2023 at elevated events with T-7th at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and T-29th at the WM Phoenix Open.
The 28-year-old ranks 29th in strokes gained per round off the tee (.475) and 27th in SG around the green (.345). His iron play hasn’t been up to his lofty standards. Once that comes around, he’ll become a true threat like he was in 2022.