2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational odds, picks: Surprising predictions from model that's called 16 majors
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Lewis
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge is set to feature a star-studded field, with top-ranked golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy competing. However, SportsLine’s proprietary model, which has accurately predicted 16 majors, including the 2025 Masters, has uncovered some surprising projections for this year’s event. Despite being a favorite at +340 odds, Xander Schauffele is projected to barely crack the top 10 on the leaderboard, while Si Woo Kim, a longshot at +2700, is expected to make a strong run for the title.
The model’s simulations reveal that Schauffele, despite his status as one of golf’s elite players, has struggled to finish in the top 20 at this tournament historically. His performance in recent events has also been inconsistent, with finishes of T19 or worse in most tournaments this year. On the other hand, Si Woo Kim, who started the season strong but has cooled off recently, is projected to make a significant impact, building on his impressive start that included a T2 at the Farmers Insurance Open and a T3 at the WM Phoenix Open.
These predictions are particularly valuable for sports bettors and fantasy golf players looking to gain an edge. The model’s track record of accuracy in major tournaments makes its projections for the Arnold Palmer Invitational highly credible. Additionally, the model highlights three longshots who could potentially surprise the field and make a run for the top spot on the leaderboard.
For fans of the PGA Tour, this analysis provides a unique perspective on which players are likely to excel or underperform at Bay Hill. By leveraging the insights from SportsLine’s simulations, readers can make more informed decisions when placing bets or selecting players for fantasy golf lineups. The model’s ability to consistently predict major winners adds weight to its projections for this event, making it a valuable resource for anyone following the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Ultimately, the model’s predictions not only highlight potential upsets and longshot opportunities but also emphasize the importance of consistency and past performance in determining tournament outcomes. As
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/2/2026