The First Look: Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard

Given the construct of its field, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship won’t be for the faint of heart. Yet, it also increases the possibility of record-high scoring in PGA TOUR Pick ‘Em Live. To play or not to play isn’t even questioned. Though you fight to stay alive, your body starts to shiver. For no mere gamer can resist the evil of the thriller. Register for PGA TOUR Pick ‘Em Live here and monitor Rob’s and Glass’ progress as Influencers. For a broader explanation of the format and FAQs, click here. TOURNAMENT TO WIN Rob … Henrik Norlander (+8000) As eager as I was in launching the board, I can’t justify pointing an arrow at anyone longer than these odds, so we’ll start here and adjust as always (unfortunately). The Swede’s strongest skills keep the ball in play from tee to green, so he’s a lottery ticket with the putter. A lot like Sepp Straka, who broke through at The Honda Classic – I’ll never forget it! – Norlander has multiple seasons of experience without a victory on the PGA TOUR, so if he wants to make a change, he can start with the man in the mirror. This is his third appearance at Port Royal. He cashed in the inaugural edition in 2019 when you’d expect a ball-striker to step out front. Five of his six career rounds on the course are under par. Glass … Vaughn Taylor (+20000) Absolutely NO REASON this week not to have fun with this pick PRE-TOURNAMENT, so let’s dance. His last top 10 was in a similar field in Puerto Rico last March when he picked up T7. You bet I’m grasping at straws! His last win on TOUR came out of nowhere when he won at Pebble Beach in 2016, so I’m looking to recreate history in Bermuda this week. The format allows us to reload once the pipe dream wakes up covered in bogeys. TOP 10 Glass … Ryan Armour (+625) Traditional Horse for Course has witnessed Brian Gay pulling this off at an, ahem, extended age, so he’ll believe as well. Nothing wrong with a bit of veteran love this week as they know how to survive the elements and keep the ball in play in tough situations. Rob … Austin Eckroat (+625) It’s black and white. Although he’s one of my Sleepers, rising for this finish would be a bonus. Good thing we’re likely going to have multiple opportunities to pivot! Actually, I noted that he’s the only rookie with as many as three paydays and without a top 10, so that’s the kind of bulletin-board material that I expect to inspire him. He’s also not a debutant what with a T22 here last year. TOP 20 Rob … Austin Eckroat (+225) This is where I plan on retaining the investment even if given a choice. Getting back more than double the virtual investment is sufficient. His proclivity to find fairways and greens is the peace of mind we all want if this bet proves to be a hit-it-and-hope experience. It’s as easy as 1-2-3, at least in theory. Glass … Kevin Yu (+300) Won’t be intimidated by the field and has enough chops throughout the bag to factor this week. Always the most conservative of the three BIG BETS of the week as the window can get sticky or stuck closed on the weekends. I’m going to ride the youth to figure out a way to crash the party in Southampton. ROUND 1 LEADER Glass … Austin Smotherman (+7000) Start early so you can play often! Fantastic player tee to green means I’ll need a hot ROUND, not week, with the flat stick to cash in here. MC here last year but posted 67 in the second round suggests he might have figured it out. If not, I have all morning (minus the one-hour time difference) to adjust. The front nine on which Smotherman opens doesn’t have the four most difficult holes on the ledger, so I’d start on this side first. Rob … Henrik Norlander (+7000) I’m always so impressed at Glass’ positive energy for the FRL. I mean, why not, but rotating the bingo ball and hoping that my guy is B1 (be the one!) requires so much more luck than know-how. I can’t beat it. With threatening weather in the forecast, it’s possible that R1 won’t finish on Thursday, but if there isn’t a delay, scoring should be equitable across the waves, anyway. In other words, even though we always want to target an early starter, keep a finger on eject unless your guy matches Taylor Pendrith’s course-record 61. Norlander is my outright and he goes off in the second threesome (off 10). He’ll have signed his card by the time I’m lucid, so firing up the glowing rectangle to see if I’m in position to deposit 1,750 coins could be almost as much fun as any Halloween party that I’ve attended. Whatever happens here, enjoy it out there this weekend. NOTE: While Glass and Rob typically stick with their selections as detailed in Pick ‘Em Preview, they are allowed the right to make changes at any time. Responsible sports betting starts with a game plan. Set a budget. Keep it social. Play with friends. Learn the game and know the odds. Play with trusted, licensed operators. CLICK HERE to learn more at HaveAGamePlan.org.

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NEW YORK – 2K crushed a long drive today with the announcement that PGA TOUR 2K21, its forthcoming, officially licensed golf simulation video game, is currently scheduled for worldwide release on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020 for the PlayStation 4 system, the Xbox One family of devices, including the Xbox One X and Windows PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch system* and Stadia. Featuring decorated PGA TOUR pro Justin Thomas as the cover athlete, PGA TOUR 2K21 heralds the return of the great golf video game that fans have been missing. Developed by HB Studios, the studio behind The Golf Club 2019 Featuring PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR 2K21 marks the evolution of The Golf Club franchise and will include 15 licensed PGA TOUR courses, each of which was scanned using cutting-edge technology to bring the fairways, greens, bunkers, trees, lakes and ponds to life. Players can also trick out their own greens and fairways with thousands of custom options in the Course Designer. Fans can reserve their tee time now by pre-ordering PGA TOUR 2K21 at participating retailers. “Being chosen to be the first-ever cover athlete for the premiere PGA TOUR 2K game is a tremendous honor,â€� said Justin Thomas, 2017 FedExCup Champion, PGA Championship winner and former World #1 on the Official World Golf Ranking. “I’m excited to join the 2K family and challenge players everywhere on the digital links.â€� Thomas will be joined by 11 additional PGA TOUR pros, each of whom will present a challenge to players in PGA TOUR Career Mode as they compete to become a FedExCup Champion. Players can also create and personalize their MyPLAYERs with equipment and apparel from licensed brands including adidas, Polo Ralph Lauren, Malbon Golf, Callaway Golf, Bridgestone Golf, TaylorMade Golf and more. Capping off the simulation experience, PGA TOUR 2K21 will feature a broadcast-style presentation with state-of-the-art graphics, dynamic cutscenes and a seamless replay system, all anchored by the play-by-play commentary of renowned broadcaster Luke Elvy and analyst Rich Beem. “As a global leader in the sports simulation genre, 2K is the perfect partner to kick off the new PGA TOUR 2K video game series and introduce the PGA TOUR experience to new players of all ages,â€� said Len Brown, PGA TOUR Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President, Licensing. “We’re thrilled to see what the future of the franchise has in store, starting with PGA TOUR 2K21.â€� “Golf is hotter than ever with celebrities, athletes and musicians playing the game and sharing their experiences on social media every day,” said Chris Snyder, Vice President of Marketing for 2K. “Our goal is to create the most authentic golf simulation experience ever, and HB Studios brings that authenticity in PGA TOUR 2K21, which is a true 2K game in every sense, incorporating realism, depth and fun that appeals to golf aficionados and casual fans alike.â€� PGA TOUR 2K21 is designed for players of all skill levels. Rookies can take advantage of real-time tutorials, tips and shot suggestions, while veterans can master their games with Pro Vision, Distance Control, Putt Preview and other innovations. Social gaming is at the core of the experience, as players can hit the links with friends in local and online matches, including Alt-Shot, Stroke Play, Skins and 4-Player Scramble. In addition, Online Societies will encourage players to invite their squad to hit the clubhouse and run full seasons and tournaments with unique entry rules and requirements, as well as handicap and event settings. Through a partnership between 2K and sports lifestyle brand adidas, players who pre-order PGA TOUR 2K21 will receive the 2K/adidas CODECHAOS MyPLAYER Pack featuring adidas CODECHAOS BOA® golf shoes and custom 2K/adidas gear, including a sport performance polo, Ultimate365 pants and tour hat, designed by adidas Golf exclusively for PGA TOUR 2K21. Players who purchase the PGA TOUR 2K21 Digital Deluxe Edition will receive the 2K/adidas CODECHAOS MyPLAYER Pack, as well as the “Golden Touchâ€� pack featuring a gold putter and driver, and a 2300 VC pack, which can be used to unlock in-game cosmetic items**. PGA TOUR 2K21 is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information on PGA TOUR 2K21 and 2K, visit PGATOUR2K21.com become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #PGATOUR2K21 or subscribe on YouTube. * Available in digital format for Nintendo Switchâ„¢ system at launch. **Cosmetic items can also be unlocked by achieving in-game objectives. No additional purchase necessary. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

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