Jordan Spieth is an intriguing golfer for this weekend's Arnold Palmer Invitational. The American has gained the third most amount of strokes when it comes to ball striking. Spieth has had three Top 30 results in four events in 2026. However, it can be anyone's guess how Spieth fares this week at Bay Hill. Even Spieth would say that. Still, the putter has been very good ranking 13th in strokes gained (0.862). Furthermore, Spieth is one of the best in 2026 in putts per round for Round 1 (27). If there are good odds on a first round leader, the American may be worth a look. Spieth is capable of firing in a 67 or 68 on Thursday but after that, DFS or betting options are more volatile.

Harry Hall had his weekend cut short for the second time in 2026. The English golfer shot a Friday 74 at The Genesis Invitational. It was the same pattern as we saw at the WM Phoenix Open where Hall just could not make enough birdies. A big problem for Hall is that second round where he averages 30.2 putts per round. Worse, he cannot get shots close to the green on approaches. Hall ranks 170th on tour in proximity from greater than 200 yards. He only reaches 68.06% of greens in regulation (104th). Despite a solid putter, Hall truly has been up and down the past four events. He could be a great flier to take in DFS formats or for a Top 20 bet at Bay Hill.

Ryan Gerard plays well enough to contend in events. The American golfer had consecutive runner-up results in January but has had a tough time starting tournaments since. The last three began 72-72-73. While this is not terrible, Gerard has had to play catch-up too often. He now ranks 123rd on tour in putts per round 1 at 29.67. That is a full putt above his average. Also, overall he is 14th in scoring average at 68.33 mostly on the strength of his January start. Thursday may be vital for him at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Gerard makes for a nice weekend option in DFS especially, however.

From a tee to green perspective, Patrick Cantlay has been as solid as ever. He ranks 23rd in strokes gained tee to green (+0.983) this season, but has lost an average of -0.240 strokes gained putting. It's really been the one spot holding him back for much of the last couple of years. It hasn't kept him from high finishes, but he hasn't won since 2022. Luckily, Bay Hill can lend itself to more consistent ball striking and short game prowess, rather than making a ton of putts. The 33-year-old is the third-best player in proximity from over 200 yards, with a strokes gained average per shot of +0.150. Given this strength, it is surprising to see that he is the worst on par-5 scoring and birdie average than the other holes. He'll need to improve there to have a chance this week, and while he's usually a name that commands a healthy amount of attention, DFS players could be better off looking elsewhere, considering his price tag.