McIlroy produced a spectacular back 9 here on the final day at BayHill last year to clinch an overdue victory. He was pushed hard by an improving Dechambeau but it was the kind of stuff Rory used to produce years ago when he looked unbeatable. The same could happen this year. He has looked in silky form throughout his 2019 campaign so far with only a perfect performance by Dustin Johnson beating him to the post in Mexico. The 13/2 edging towards 6/1 is plenty short enough for someone who doesn't win too often these days and win or lose he is best left alone for another occasion. To put it in perspective, we backed him at 18/1 here last year. 6/1 this year without a win since is slim pickings.

As usual here Bermuda performance is important as a bunch of winners here have all been great putters. The rough looks like it will be thick and could play a bigger part in proceedings this week so a good all round tee to green game looks like an essential quality to have at Bayhill. KEEGAN BRADLEY looks a must to have on the betting slip this week. He has enjoyed a consistent period of form with only 1 cut missed in the last 12 months. He is back reaching for the levels he achieved back in 2011 and 2012. Most recently he fired a joint best score of the day in the final round of the WGC Mexico when finishing in a tie for 10th spot. Bradley loves this track having made the weekend on his last six efforts which included two runner up finishes in 2013 and 2014. It takes a determined sort to win down the back 9 here at Bayhill and there's not a whole pile better in a dog fight than Bradley. Ranked number 32 in the world the quotes of 66/1 surprise me on a course where previous form is a huge pointer.

1pt each-way K.Bradley 66/1 (1/5 7)

Keegan Bradley - 1pt e/w @ 66/1

PATRICK REED was another who showed form in Mexico before being the third wheel in the final round ball with McIlroy and Dustin. He came under pressure early doors there and almost played the first few holes by himself whilst the other two ploughed on to the next tee whilst Reed was still putting out. It didn't look like a good atmosphere and it is no surprise he struggled. Nevertheless it was a solid effort and given he finished in the top ten here last year at Bayhill he is a worthy contender. He ticks all the boxes of a good tee to green game whilst his scrambling is up there with the best of them. He ranks 6th this season in strokes gained putting and would be a Masters Champion not looking out of place on the winners rota here.

1pt each-way P.Reed 33/1 (1/5 8)

Patrick Reed - 1pt e/w @ 33/1

I was very tempted to chance Henrik Stenson given his form around here. Obviously his recent form is abysmal for someone of his quality but it was only a few months ago where he was finishing the year off in solid fashion. Having a home here in Orlando could help the Swede and it'd be no surprise to me should he make light of his pre tournament odds of 50/1. Instead I'll plump for CHARLES HOWELL who doesn't look far off landing another win. His last win came only 7 starts ago at the RSM and he has only once been outside the top 20 since with top tens coming at the Sony and Genesis. He ranks 15th in SGP this year and 43rd in Driving accuracy and looks full of confidence right now. He has missed one cut here in his last 16 attempts with a best being a tie for 8th in 2005. Looks a good each-way proposition this week.

1pt each-way C.Howell 50/1 (1/5 8)

Charles Howell - 1pt e/w @ 50/1

BRIAN GAY tops the putting charts and given how important that appears to be around here he must have a chance of going well this week. He is another on a good run with only one missed cut in his last 17 starts. That is remarkably consistent for a man who doesn't get the ball out that far compared to most. With firm conditions the ball might be rolling out towards hazards and high rough so control of the ball tee to green is likely to important also. He has always been solid off the tee also ranking 9th in driving accuracy this season. A top 20 at the Honda last week and a 7th placed finish at Pebble Beach a few weeks ago is fine form to be taking into this event. Certainly looks one overpriced to my eyes at a top price of 250/1.

0.75pt each-way B.Gay 250/1 (1/5 6)

Brian Gay - 0.75pts e/w @ 250/1