Five prop bets for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, including a Rory McIlroy vs. Jon Rahm matchup

It’s almost time for the third designated event on the PGA Tour in four weeks.

The best players in the world are in Orlando for the second stop of the Florida swing at Bay Hill Club and Lodge for the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Overall, 23 of the world’s top 25 players will tee it up Thursday, including defending champion Scottie Scheffler looking to defend a title for the second time this season (WM Phoenix Open). Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy — the 2018 champ —are looking to spoil Scheffler’s plans.

The latter two are matched up this week on many sportsbooks and are included in this list of five prop bets for the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

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Rory McIlroy (+100) vs. Jon Rahm

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland practices on the driving range prior to the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on February 28, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

This one, for obvious reasons, is risky.

Jon Rahm looks unstoppable, and Rory McIlroy hasn’t finished inside the top 25 on the PGA Tour in 2023. However, Bay Hill has been McIlroy’s playground.

In eight career starts, the Northern Irishman has finished 13th or better seven times, including a win in 2018.

Max Homa (+130) vs. Scottie Scheffler

Max Homa hits from the fourth hole tee during the first round of The Genesis Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Again, a risky one. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion this week and already successfully defended a title earlier this season (WM Phoenix Open).

However, you could argue Max Homa is playing like a top-four player in the world at the moment. He has won twice this season and is coming off a runner-up finish at the Genesis. Homa tied for 17th at Bay Hill last year and 10th in 2021.

Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler to win (+200)

Jon Rahm plays his shot from the fourth tee as Rory McIlroy looks on during a practice round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at The Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The three best players in the world at +200? Yes, please.

Winning margin: 1 stroke (+225)

Scottie Scheffler is awarded the championship trophy after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. (Photo: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports)

Three straight Arnold Palmer Invitationals have been decided by one shot. In tough conditions, it’s easy to see a way that continues.

Jason Day, Sungjae Im or Viktor Hovland to win (+1000)

Viktor Hovland hits from the bunker on the eighth hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Day is a past champ here and is coming off three straight top-10 finishes. Sungjae Im tied for fourth at the Farmers and sixth at the WM Phoenix Open and has finished third at Bay Hill twice. He has finished inside the top 25 in all four appearances in Orlando. Finally, Viktor Hovland was one of the runners-up here last season.