2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational: Top 10 power rankings at Bay Hill

Is it too obvious to slot in Jordan Spieth fourth this week?

Maybe, but let’s roll with it.

He’s finished T-4th in both appearances at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2021 and 2023.

In 2021, Spieth carded 70-69-68-75. He was just two off the lead prior to his tough Sunday finish. Spieth was still just five off the pace.

Last year, the Texan posted 68-69-74-70 to end up just two back of Kurt Kitayama and one back of a tie for second. Three bogeys late in his final four holes spoiled his chances of winning at Arnie’s Place.

Spieth led the field in Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green (5.896). His short game magic embodied how he’s never out of a hole, regardless of how shaky his ball striking looks.

“So distance control has to be spot on, you got to take risks certain places, lay back other places, and I like the strategy that we have gone to so far,” Spieth was transcribed by ASAP Sports in 2021. “Certain pins, try and push it up further. Lay back. I mean, you got probably five or six holes where you can hit multiple clubs off the tee.”

This is Spieth’s first start since the Genesis Invitational where he was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard. There was no malicious intent, but it cost him a chance at playing the weekend.

That was too bad, because Spieth’s been playing well in 2024. He opened the year with a solo third at The Sentry and added T-6th at the WM Phoenix Open a few weeks later.

The 30-year-old former Texas Longhorn ranks third on the PGA Tour in SG: Total (2.031). He’s seventh in SG: Putting (.934), seventh in SG: Around-the-Green (.666), and 14th in SG: Tee-to-Green (1.097).