Share

Russell Henley Steals Arnold Palmer Invitational Win from Collin Morikawa


Russell Henley finally ended his two-and-a-half-year drought without a win, earning his fifth PGA Tour win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

He seemingly stole the win from Collin Morikawa after surging down the stretch of Bay Hill Golf Club & Lounge.

Henley carded a 2-under 70 to win at 11-under and by one shot.

But it was his hole-out eagle on the par-5 16th that flipped the tournament as he went from one back to a one-shot lead over Morikawa.

“I feel like I can’t breathe right now. It is so hard and so difficult around this place,” Henley said on NBC after his win. “I got a good break there [eagle on 16]. I holed another one yesterday, first hole from the bunker… I just tried to stay tough this week.”

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 09: Russell Henley reacts after making a birdie on the 14th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2025 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf…


Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Morikawa seemed to have the tournament secured, but his inability to score on the back nine proved costly as he settled with an even-par 72 on Sunday.

While the two-time major winner could not score, Henley found ways to avoid big mistakes and made three crucial shots to get the win.

The 12-foot birdie putt on the par-5 12th, the nine-footer on 14 and of course the hole-out eagle from 54 feet, seven inches on the 16th.

His ability to turn things around and score on both par-5s on the back nine was tremendous, especially after he bogeyed both par-5s on the front.

The former Georgia Bulldog did not have the best day statistically on Sunday, hitting just 8-of-14 fairways and 2-of-5 scrambling, but it was an impressive performance through four rounds of play.

Henley led the field in strokes gained around the green at 6.382. He also led in strokes gained total at 12.720. To pick up almost 13 strokes on the field is quite the feat.

It was only a matter of time for Henley this year. He already had three top 10s in 2025. His worst finish was at the Genesis Invitational at T39.

Last week he was T6 at the Cognizant Classic, and this week Henley can add his name to the impressive Bay Hill conquerors.

More Golf: Tiger Woods Officially Out for The PLAYERS, But it is Worse Than Just That





Source link