Dan Roebuck’s PGA Tour preview – Arnold Palmer Invitational

Those who thought Tiger Woods’ career might go down hill have been partially proved right, as it was announced this week that the former world number one is dating American Olympic skier Lindsay Vonn. His form this term, though, has encountered few slippery slopes, with two wins already on his 2013 CV.

Both of those victories came in events and on courses that Woods have been successful at before, and a pattern has emerged since the start of last year that suggests he is worth backing on layouts he has proven form at. Which brings us to this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Lodge and Country Club.

Woods’ five-stroke victory 12 months ago was his seventh at Bay Hill. Another win by Woods would match Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record for most wins in a single event. It would also lift Woods back to the top the world rankings, bumping Rory McIlroy to No. 2.

Last season’s win is hugely significant as it was Woods’ first on a toughened up Bay Hill and he just has to be backed this week at 3/1.

Of the players who have teed it up every year at Bay Hill since the changes to the course ahead of the 2010 renewal, Jim Furyk has the second best record (behind Kevin Na). The US Ryder Cup star has form figures of 11-9-11 in three starts and he produced his best golf of 2013 last week in Tampa, where he finished seventh just one stroke off rewarding each-way backers. He is 40/1 this week.

Frustratingly – for followers of this column – that’s also what happened to Sergio Garcia. But the Spaniard is worth retaining in your staking plan at 20/1 after again proving his all-round game is in fair nick. Eighth at Bay Hill in 2011 also bodes well.

My three off the tee – Woods, Furyk and Garcia.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.