Derek Farnsworth recommended Brian Harman as a viable play in the lower salary range for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Harman has been consistent, gaining strokes off the tee with improved iron play recently. He also finished T12 at this event last year. Farnsworth suggested that including Harman allows for rostering higher-priced players like Scheffler.

Derek Farnsworth recommended a top-10 wager on Brian Harman at +700. Harman is not a bomber, but Farnsworth pointed to Harman’s consistent off-the-tee play (positive in eight of his last 10 starts) and elite short game as reasons he can thrive on this demanding course. Farnsworth also noted Harman’s recent iron improvements (gaining 4.8 strokes on approach last week and 1.8 the previous event). Additionally, being from Georgia, Harman is at ease on Bermuda grass and has shown the ability to handle strong fields.

Steve Bamford suggested Brian Harman each way at 90/1, pointing to his recent surge in tee-to-green form. Last week at PGA National, Harman ranked 6th in Strokes Gained Tee to Green and 8th in Approach. Bamford noted that Harman has a solid track record in Florida, including four top-17 finishes at Bay Hill, where he led after 36 holes in 2024. Harman’s strong Greens in Regulation numbers and comfort on Bermudagrass surfaces support Bamford’s view that he has substantial value in this tournament.

Tom Jacobs labeled Brian Harman a long-shot pick this week, emphasizing that despite Harman’s final finishes not reflecting stellar results, his ball striking metrics suggest he’s on the verge of a breakout. Harman ranked 8th in Strokes Gained: Approach and 9th Tee-to-Green last week, which Jacobs calls a season high. Although Harman’s Arnold Palmer Invitational results have been volatile, he finished 12th in last year’s elevated-field edition and has previously recorded 13th, 15th, and 17th at Bay Hill. Harman was also co-leader at the halfway point in 2024 here. Jacobs believes if Harman can put together four consistent rounds, he has the potential to surprise at valuable odds.

Matt said Brian Harman looked like his confident self for the first time in a while. He cited Harman’s solid ball-striking during practice rounds, as well as his proven ability on Bermuda courses. Despite a run of top-25 finishes without a top-10 result, Matt believes Harman’s recent approach gains and comfort on this layout could offer betting value in the 60–70 to 1 range. Harman’s upbeat demeanor and improved swing metrics suggest he could outperform his longer odds this week.

Steve Bamford selected Brian Harman at 55/1 for the Cognizant Classic, emphasizing Harman’s consistent play on Bermuda greens and his proven record in Florida, including multiple top-10 finishes at TPC Sawgrass and Copperhead. Bamford noted Harman’s past success at PGA National—a course-record 61 in 2012—and his U.S. Open pedigree, where he finished runner-up at Erin Hills. Recent west-coast form, highlighted by a 17th at Torrey Pines with top-tier driving accuracy and ball striking, signals a strong return to a comfortable Bermudagrass setting for this left-handed grinder.