Power Rankings: Arnold Palmer Invitational

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After a serious overhaul following the 2009 version of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, Bay Hill's return as a par 72 in 2010 ended three straight years as a brutally difficult par 70. Essentially, the host with the most wanted the spectators to enjoy more eagles and birdies, and it worked. There were 25 and 1,200, respectively, easily eclipsing the totals from each of the previous three editions. However, with added length (7,400 yards, an increase of 238 from 2009), the aggregate scoring average also rose.

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The host venue checked in at 72.892 last year (up from 72.190 in 2009), third-highest among par 72s in non-majors all year. This week, the scorecard lists the maximum yardage at 7,419. Distance off the tee has relevance, and fairways are generous, but the challenge increases nearer the hole.

Last year, Bay Hill ranked in the top 10 in all four splits in proximity to the hole inside 150 yards. After leading the TOUR in most difficult greens to hit in 2009, it finished ninth last year. Palmer's treasure also sat 14th in putting and 10th in birdie average.

While sand saves will never qualify as a leading predicator for success, it's worth noting that none of last year's top 10 on the leaderboard found fewer than six bunkers. As a group, they averaged 10.2 for the week. (All 103 bunkers were adjusted in some fashion during the 2009 renovation.)

Mother Nature's main course this week is heat. High temperatures in the upper 80s throughout. Cannot rule out 90 degrees on Sunday when a minor threat of rain is forecast; otherwise, tons of sun. Winds will be light-to-moderate.

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Power Rankings: Arnold Palmer Invitational

Rank Player   Comment Dustin JOHNSON Returned to the stage with a solo second at Doral, where he ranked seventh in fairways hit and 11th in greens. His four bogeys were a field-low. Currently 11th on TOUR in GIR, 21st in putting and first in birdie average. Justin ROSE Faded on Sunday at last week's Transitions, just as he did at last year's Travelers before winning the AT&T National the following week. Ranks sixth on TOUR in greens hit, 16th in the all-around and 20th in scrambling. Hunter MAHAN Four top 10s in seven starts this year, including a solo ninth at Doral. Currently 14th on the PGA TOUR in ball-striking, 10th in birdie average and 14th in the all-around. Top 25s in each of his last three starts here. Martin LAIRD Chased a T10 at the WGC-Cadillac Championship with a share of fifth at Copperhead. Sits sixth in distance off the tee, 61st in greens in regulation, sixth in scrambling, 17th in putting and 19th in birdie average. Kevin NA Last year's co-runner-up finished T11 here in 2009, too. He ranked inside the top 20 in greens hit both weeks. Currently eighth on TOUR in putting. Already has two top fives in the bank this season. Graeme McDOWELL TPC Blue Monster ate him alive, as he carded 14 bogeys and a double en route to a T42 payday, but arrives at Bay Hill rested. Ranks 10th on TOUR in putting, 11th in birdie average and fourth in the all-around. Gary WOODLAND First-timer at Bay Hill. The Transitions victory was a culmination of a season's worth of superb play. It was his fourth top 10 in seven starts. Ranks 15th on TOUR in greens hit and 11th in putting. Chris COUCH Shared the 36-hole lead at Copperhead en route to a season-best T5, his third top 10 of the year. Ranks third on TOUR in putting, seventh in birdie average and sixth in the all-around. Placed T4 here last year. Tiger WOODS Did not enter last year, thus forgoing the opportunity for three straight wins here. Has six titles in 14 starts at Bay Hill. Coming off season-low 66 at Doral, where he tied for 10th and ranked T4 in greens hit. Zach JOHNSON Top 25s in his two starts on the Florida Swing. Had just seven bogeys all week at Copperhead. Three top 10s in seven appearances at Bay Hill, including a solo third in 2009. Currently fifth on TOUR in putting.