Russell Henley secured a thrilling victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a final-round score of 70, highlighted by a spectacular chip-in eagle at the par-5 16th. His performance also included three birdies and three bogeys, ultimately bringing him to 11-under par and clinching the title by a single stroke. Henley excelled in Strokes Gained: Around the Green, leading the field with an impressive 6.382 strokes gained in that category. This triumph marked a defining moment in his career, as he successfully navigated one of the most challenging courses on the PGA Tour.
Reflecting on his win, Henley expressed his deep admiration for the tournament, acknowledging the history and prestige of the event. Having grown up watching dramatic finishes at Bay Hill, he found it surreal to be in a position to secure victory on the final hole. The weight of the moment left him in awe, as he embraced the significance of playing on the same stage as golf’s greatest legends. His humility and appreciation for the sport were evident as he described the honor of etching his name into the tournament’s rich history.
Henley attributed his success to his relentless work ethic and dedication to improving every aspect of his game. He emphasized the challenges of competing at the highest level on the most demanding courses and was amazed at how everything came together for his win. The magnitude of the achievement was overwhelming, and he struggled to put his emotions into words. The intensity of the competition, especially knowing Collin Morikawa was maintaining a steady performance, only heightened the pressure. Henley acknowledged the difficulty of securing a victory in such a highly competitive field.
This victory was a breakthrough for Henley, who had been a consistent contender on Tour. It marked his fourth top-10 finish in just six starts this season, the most of any player. Before this win, he had accumulated 10 top-10 finishes since 2024 but had yet to convert them into a title. Meanwhile, Collin Morikawa, the 54-hole leader, finished with a 72, earning his 11th career runner-up finish and fourth since 2024. His consistent performances have made him one of the most formidable players on Tour, despite narrowly missing out on another victory.
Elsewhere, Canadian Corey Conners delivered a steady final round, posting a bogey-free 71 to claim solo third at 9-under. His strong finish secured his qualification for the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush through the Open Qualifying Series. Michael Kim also impressed, recording a 69 for his second consecutive top-10 finish. World number one Scottie Scheffler ended tied for 11th at 4-under, while Rory McIlroy finished tied for 15th at 3-under. The tournament showcased high-level competition, reinforcing the depth of talent on the PGA Tour.
