Russell Henley Wins 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational After Dramatic Comeback
ORLANDO, Fla. — Russell Henley clinched his fifth career PGA Tour victory at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational held at Bay Hill Club & Lodge on Sunday, edging out Collin Morikawa by one stroke. Henley, 35, posted remarkable performances on the back nine, concluding the tournament with a two-under 70 and finishing at eleven-under par.
Henley's victory, which earned him a hefty $4 million prize, marks his first title since 2022, ending a drought of over 850 days devoid of wins on the Tour. The remarkable chip-in eagle on the par-5 16th hole was the turning point of the match, pushing him from one stroke behind to leading the tournament.
Morikawa began the final round with the lead but faced difficulties down the stretch. He opened the day one shot clear of Henley but soon found himself three strokes up after birdieing the first hole. Despite beginning the back nine confidently with another birdie at the 12, the momentum quickly shifted. A bogey on the par-3 14th opened the door for Henley, who capitalized by rolling in his second birdie within three holes, narrowing the margin.
Henley, undeterred by his earlier mistakes, such as bogeys on the par-5s on the front nine, exhibited great patience and resilience throughout the day. His approach on the 16th was pivotal; after hitting his second shot over the green, he executed a brilliant chip to clinch eagle. "Sometimes golf is just mean like this," he remarked later, acknowledging the nature of the game and Morikawa's earlier lead.
With Henley leading at eleven-under, Morikawa faced pressure on the final two holes. He missed his birdie chance on 16 and ended with an even-par 72 for the round. This loss was particularly bitter for Morikawa, as it marked yet another week where he contended at the top but couldn't secure the win. Despite his skill and stable performance, Morikawa hasn't won since the 2023 Zozo Championship, leading to questions about his ability to finish strong.
Corey Conners, another contender, finished third at nine-under after climbing through the ranks with consistent play. This strong finish not only positions him well within the upcoming golfing season but also earned him qualification for the British Open, one of the most prestigious championships of the year.
Keegan Bradley exhibited impressive skill, recording the new front-nine scoring record at Bay Hill with an opening 29, eventually tying for fifth place. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy finished the tournament with a 72, placing him outside the top 10, leading to scrutiny over his equipment changes and overall performance throughout the week.
Henley's achievement is particularly significant considering the string of ten top-10 finishes without capturing a victory since 2024 — the most on tour. With this win, he can now set his eyes on the Ryder Cup later this year, showcasing his return to the elite levels of professional golf.
Overall, the Arnold Palmer Invitational served as a pivotal point not just for Henley's career but for Morikawa's aspirations as well. The PGA Tour continues its season with the Players Championship next week at TPC Sawgrass, where golfers, including Henley and Morikawa, will seek redemption and new opportunities for triumph. This tournament served as both a celebration of tenacity and a reminder of the steep challenges athletes face on the course.
With this victory now etched in history, Russell Henley is set to inspire not just through his performances but also with his perseverance in overcoming challenges long faced. Late afternoon shadows at Bay Hill bore witness to the drama of the final round, proving again why this tournament remains among the most cherished on the PGA calendar.