ORLANDO, Fla. — Early leader Rafa Cabrera Bello went low, defending champion Rory McIlroy went into neutral and Jason Day went home.
Pretty eventful opening day at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Let’s take a look at three matchup bets for Friday’s second round.
Ryan Moore over Haotong Li (-110)
I’ve been waiting for a month now to see Moore’s name start popping on leaderboards and it hasn’t quite happened yet, but I’ve still got hope for him this week. His ball-striking were solid during an opening-round 71.
I think a few more putts will drop on Friday afternoon, leaving him a few strokes better, which should be enough to win this matchup against the young Li.
Tyrrell Hatton over Matt Wallace (-125)
Cruising through his first seven holes in 4-under, Wallace might’ve been thinking about his first big-time title contention in a U.S.-based event.
Instead, he played the last 11 holes in 3-over, which shouldn’t offer much momentum for Friday. Hatton, on the other hand, did most of his damage in an opening 70 late in the day, and should have that momentum on his side.
Cameron Champ over Aaron Wise (+110)
Yes, I did see what Champ shot on Thursday. And yes, I noticed his place on the board, too.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little scared about betting on a guy who posted a 9-over 81 and is in a share of 119th place, but here’s my thinking: He’ll be playing with nothing to lose on Friday — and I especially like long-hitting, aggressive types in these situations.
It could certainly backfire, but with Wise not showing much form lately, I like the plus money on Champ to beat his opening score by double-digits.
