PGA picks: Matsuyama rolls in return to Tour at Bay Hill

It's been years since the PGA Tour had this type of buzz around it as golfers head to Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and it's all centered around the sparkling play of Tiger Woods.

The 14-time major winner electrified the sports world with a run to a second-place showing at last week's Valspar Championship, and his incredible track record at Bay Hill helps make him the favorite.

While many will be rooting for Woods as he looks to win his 80th overall PGA Tour event, here are some other players to target on the betting board.

Favorite to watch (odds 25-1 or less)

Hideki Matsuyama

The Japanese superstar returns after a wrist injury that forced him to withdraw from the Phoenix Open. While it's always risky to bet on a player in his first event back, getting Matsuyama as high as 25-1 rarely ever happens. The 26-year-old ranks second on Tour in strokes gained on approach, a stat that's crucial around Bay Hill. Don't be shocked to see Matsuyama in the winner's circle.

Odds to win: 25-1
Top 5 odds: 4-1

Second tier (odds 25-1 or greater)

Adam Scott

Much like Matsuyama, Scott's odds are also higher than usual at 40-1. The Australian struggled a bit to start the year, but has recently shown he's turning things around. Scott finished in the top 16 in his last two events, and looks to continue his climb back to his usual place in the world rankings with a strong showing at Bay Hill.

Odds to win: 40-1
Top 5 odds: 7-1

Long shot (odds 50-1 or greater)

Keegan Bradley

Bradley's had success in the past at Bay Hill with two finishes inside the top three, and also heads to the Orlando-area event in fine form. The 31-year-old is seventh on Tour in the young season for strokes gained on approach. Positive experience at the course and quality play are a steal at 66-1, and don't be shocked if Bradley turns in a big payoff for his backers.

Odds to win: 66-1
Top 5 odds: 14-1

Super long shot (odds 80-1 or greater)

Charl Schwartzel

Schwartzel has been solid but unspectacular, making all six of his cuts on Tour but failing to finish inside the top 25 in an event. The South African seems poised for a breakthrough, and Bay Hill should be a strong venue for him. He owns one of the smoothest swings on Tour, and just needs to drain a few putts to get things rolling.

Odds to win: 125-1
Top 5 odds: 16-1

Hit this bet, buy a car (odds 125-1 or greater)

Kyle Stanley

As we've become accustomed to in recent years, Stanley put on a ball-striking clinic on his way to a T-17 finish in last year's Arnold Palmer Invitational. The 30-year-old hasn't played since the WGC-Mexico, but a top-25 finish there indicates he's in strong form. At 150-1, he's definitely worth a small wager.

Odds to win: 150-1
Top 5 odds: 16-1

Last week's results

Rory McIlroy: MC
Paul Casey: Winner
Ollie Schniederjans: T-49
Bryson DeChambeau: WD
Dominic Bozzelli: T-31

Season Record (10 events)

Wins: 4 (Paul Casey 25-1, Bubba Watson 50-1, Dustin Johnson 15-2, Jon Rahm 8-1)
Top five: 7

(Odds courtesy: Bodog)
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)