Jordan Spieth?
He’s not around this week.
Rory McIlroy?
Nothing to write home about so far.
Jason Day?
Ditto.
Adam Scott?
Dominating so far. Outplaying everyone so far. Best player in the world — at this moment in time.
What all of those players, what everyone wants is to be the best player in the world come the first week in April at The Masters.
But first things first, this is Arnold Palmer’s week and Bay Hill is his stage. It is the place where Tiger Woods proved eight times that he can dominate a big-boy course like Bay Hill.
So who will be getting the winner’s hug from Arnie come Sunday?
All eyes are on Scott to see if the momentum that made him the first two-time winner of the season is still with him but here are some of the contenders to watch this week:
Rory McIlroy: As written above, Rory’s had nothing to write home about so far this season. Now is as good a time as any for him to show us what he’s got. His putting remains the biggest question mark and these greens will be flawless, Palmer wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s room for a bomber like Rory to drive his golf ball. No excuses.
Jason Day: As unimpressive as Spieth and McIlroy have been lately, Day is just as lame. No sign of the form he had at the PGA last year. This is the kind of course he can dominate. The only question is — can he?
Henrik Stenson: He’s ranked seventh in the world but the less he wins, the more you have to believe that this guy is over-rated.
Justin Rose: Could be a dark-horse at The Masters but he’s got to start showing something.
Matt Every: Here’s a guy getting no respect this week yet he’s now won at Bay Hill back-to-back. He has only two PGA Tour wins and they’ve both come here. You think he likes this golf course?
Ryan Moore: This kid is playing well, don’t be surprised if he contends again this week.
Paul Casey: One the comeback trail.
Hideki Matsuyama: Has the game to play Bay Hill. Domo Arigato Palmer-san
Those are some of the players to watch.
But it is Adam Scott who is on a roll. The only question remains — can he roll his way to Augusta National?
