Dave Tindall said Corey Conners is a strong bet to be the first-round leader at Bay Hill, pointing to Conners' previous success at this venue (finishing positions of 3-11-21-18) and past FRL showing in 2021. He highlighted Conners' strong starts this season, including an opening 66 at The Sentry and top-15 day-one positions in his two latest starts. Tindall also emphasized Conners' afternoon tee time and the anticipated milder winds later in the day as reasons he could set the pace.

Dave Tindall recommended Chris Kirk as a first-round leader option at Bay Hill, citing his track record of quick starts in Florida. Tindall noted that in Kirk’s last 10 Florida events, he has twice ended Round 1 in second place and has finished the opening day 16th or better seven times. Specifically at Bay Hill, Kirk’s FRL positions for the last three editions are 8-2-11, with sub-70 scores each time. Tindall also referenced Kirk’s recent early-round success, including a 64 at The American Express and a 66 at last week’s Cognizant Classic.

Dave Tindall advised backing Russell Henley for a strong first-round performance at Bay Hill. He highlighted Henley’s impressive opening-round form, including a 63 that placed him second after 18 holes the previous week, and noted that Henley was FRL at Pebble Beach earlier this season. Tindall emphasized that Henley has placed inside the top 25 after Round 1 in each of his last nine outings, and pointed to his halfway lead here last year, when he was fourth following the first round. With three top-10 finishes in his last four starts, Tindall sees Henley as an in-form pick poised for a fast start.

Dave Tindall advised betting on Russell Henley each-way for a first-round leader (FRL) wager at the Cognizant Classic. Tindall highlighted Henley’s strong history at PGA National, including a past win and two opening rounds of 64 which both placed him second after day one. He also pointed out Henley’s first-round leader status at Pebble Beach just two starts ago and noted he has been in the top 25 after 18 holes in each of his last eight starts. Tindall emphasized Henley’s early tee time from the 10th hole, which aligns with the course’s historical pattern of morning wave FRL success.

Dave Tindall recommended Chandler Phillips each-way for first-round leader at the Cognizant Classic, citing his opening 66 at PGA National last year that put him ninth after Thursday before a withdrawal. Tindall also pointed to Phillips’s strong form in Florida, including a third-place finish at the Valspar Championship, and his multiple top-five positions after round one during the Fall Series. Tindall noted Phillips’s late morning tee time from the 10th hole, observing that golfers in that window have led after day one in previous years.

Dave Tindall suggested backing Jake Knapp for first-round leader based on his run of strong opening rounds. Knapp shot 67 on Thursday in Mexico last week, marking his fourth straight event with a top-20 position after day one. Tindall noted Knapp’s second-place opening 65 at Pebble Beach and his fourth-place finish at PGA National last year, when he posted two rounds of 66. With an early tee time, Tindall believes Knapp has a good chance to challenge for the top spot on the Thursday leaderboard.

Dave Tindall recommended betting on Daniel Berger at 20/1, highlighting Berger's recent runner-up finish at the WM Phoenix Open where he led the field in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green and was third in Driving Accuracy. Tindall noted Berger's renewed health and confidence plus his strong record at PGA National, which includes multiple top-four finishes. As a Florida resident familiar with the course, Berger has repeatedly spoken about how comfortable he feels at this event, making him a prime pick for bettors seeking value.

Dave Tindall advised backing Cameron Young at 35/1, noting his status as a local resident and exceptional track record at PGA National, where he has finished 16th and fourth in two appearances, carding multiple rounds of 65 or better. Tindall also pointed out Young's links success, including a runner-up finish at the 2022 Open at St Andrews, and strong Florida form with runner-up at the Valspar Championship and top-10s at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Tindall expects Young’s proven comfort level on Florida courses to make him a solid each-way wager.

Dave Tindall tipped Lucas Glover at 50/1, emphasizing Glover’s trio of recent top-three finishes on the PGA Tour and his improving putter. Tindall noted Glover’s history of success in Florida, including multiple top-25 finishes at PGA National with two fourth-place results. As a former US Open champion, Glover possesses the patient mindset and skill-set well-suited for the demanding conditions at PGA National, making him an appealing each-way bet.