In a spectacular turn of events at the PGA Tour’s Florida swing, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, American golfers Russell Henley and Collin Morikawa clashed on the greens. The thrilling finale saw Henley snatch victory by a whisker, thanks to an extraordinary eagle on the par-five 16th hole.
The Sunday face-off was peppered with unexpected twists and turns. Morikawa, who began the day with a one-stroke lead over Henley, was aiming for his first triumph since October 2023. Despite the challenging conditions, he maintained a steady performance, scoring three birdies and bogeys each to shoot at even par. A performance that, on any other day, could have clinched the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Henley’s journey to victory was fraught with initial struggles. He got off to a rocky start, bogeying the first two par-fives and falling significantly behind the lead. However, showing resilience, he quickly bounced back, securing a birdie at the eighth hole followed by another bogey on the 10th. Henley’s comeback was marked by two crucial birdies on the 12th and 14th holes, placing him just one stroke behind Morikawa.
The 16th hole, however, marked a game-changing moment. Henley’s approach shot veered to the right, but he unexpectedly chipped in for an eagle, overturning the tournament’s trajectory. Following this miraculous shot with two steady pars, he emerged victorious, securing the coveted Arnold Palmer title.
The unexpected eagle did not just stun the players and spectators, but also the broadcasters at NBC. Returning from a commercial break, they sounded flabbergasted as Henley’s chip shot sunk in. Even Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, was left in awe, his subsequent social media post potentially bringing further attention to the tournament.
This victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational could have significant implications on the rest of the season for both players. The hefty prize money, FedEx Cup points, and Ryder Cup points have been shared between Henley and Morikawa. For Henley, this win could be pivotal in the Ryder Cup context. After his debut in team golf at the American President’s Cup in Montreal last fall, this win could potentially secure his place at the upcoming matches at Bethpage Black.
Despite his strong performance, Morikawa’s inability to seal tournaments continues to haunt him. This is his second runner-up finish this year, following The Sentry in January, and his 11th top-ten finish since his last victory at the Zozo Championship in 2023.
As the PGA Tour moves on to The Players Championship, considered the ‘fifth major’ of the Tour, all eyes will be on Scottie Scheffler, who is vying for his third consecutive title. Both Henley and Morikawa have confirmed their participation in the tournament being held this week in Ponte Vedra Beach.
