Russell Henley captured the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday, March 9, 2025, with a thrilling finish, overcoming Collin Morikawa by one stroke at Bay Hill Golf Club & Lounge. Throughout the final round, Henley battled hard as he initially trailed Morikawa until he managed to turn the tide on the pivotal 16th hole.
Henley had closed the gap to just one shot on the par-5 16th, where he faced what seemed like a difficult approach from the rough. Morikawa, meanwhile, was sitting comfortably on the green, preparing for his long birdie putt. What followed was nothing short of miraculous: Henley holed out for eagle from 54 feet, pulling off the improbable feat and shifting not only the momentum but the lead itself. Surprisingly, this exhilarating moment came just before Morikawa had his chance, who eventually made par.
Reflecting on the remarkable comeback, Henley expressed gratitude toward Morikawa. "Hats off to Collin. He played great today, super steady," he said, acknowledging the high level of competition. Henley’s victory, his first since November 2022, ended his 854-day winless drought.
Despite the thrilling turn of events, Henley’s victory was not just defined by luck. Earlier in the round, he had to execute well under pressure, especially after hitting an impressive 5-iron shot on the 14th hole to set up his birdie. This pressure stemmed largely from being three strokes behind before attempting to inch closer. Henley said, "I had to hit a cut shot because the wind was off the right, and I couldn’t hit it straight to draw. That’s what these tough courses do; they force you to hit shots you may not practice often.”
Turning to the finale, Henley finished the day with a score of 2-under 70, closing strongly with pars on 17 and 18, solidifying his lead and ultimate win at 11-under for the tournament. Meanwhile, Morikawa closed the day with even-par 72, which was just short of what he needed to retain his lead.
This victory not only marked Henley’s fifth title on the PGA Tour but also propelled him to No. 7 in the world rankings, realizing the dream of making the top 10, which he had yet to feel entirely comfortable with. "I definitely don’t feel like it. I have so much respect for so many players out here who are all so talented, and so it’s hard for me to comprehend,” Henley remarked humbly after being informed of his ranking.
Having previously not won since the World Wide Technology Championship on November 6, 2022, Henley was aware of the significance of his triumph. After months of placing himself near the top of leaderboards, it was thrilling for Henley to finally break through, especially following his tie for sixth place at the recent Cognizant Classic. This past week, he revisited his chipping game and took lessons from Mark Blackburn, which led to improvements seen during the tournament.
With confidence bolstered from his 2024 Presidents Cup experience, Henley said this victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational fulfilled his goal: “To put myself in the best situation...” He conveyed his intent of aiming for victory without placing unnecessary pressure on himself, recognizing the challenges and unpredictability of the sport.
After making it to the top of the leaderboard, Henley embraced the nervous energy. “I was very nervous. That was as nervous as I can ever recall being,” he admitted, showcasing the mental hurdles elite golfers face.
Looking beyond just one tournament, Henley's win sets him up as one of the contenders for Ryder Cup selections later this year, possibly under captain Keegan Bradley. The combination of confidence, skill, and notable familiarity with top players like Morikawa and other elite golfers like Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, and Xander Schauffele bodes well for Henley as he strives for consistency moving forward.
Henley's impressive skillset, alongside his remarkable humility, makes him not just another player but one to whom fans can relate and cheer. His experience is relatable; he stated, “I’ve just tried to focus on being really, really good at what I’m good at, and trying to knock on the door as much as I can.”
The Arnold Palmer Invitational had yet again proven to be one of the most thrilling events on the golf calendar, showcasing drama, talent, and the unpredictable nature of the sport when it mattered most. Henley's strategic game coupled with his emotional approach exemplifies the essence of professional golf, making it all the more engaging for players and spectators alike.
This win not only secured him $4 million but also reignited his career, perhaps heralding the start of another competitive streak. With Henley’s demonstrated capabilities, fans can anticipate even more excitement from him as he heads to The Players Championship this week, aiming to maintain his momentum on the PGA Tour.
With the beauty and breadth of course challenges at Bay Hill, Henley navigated the competition successfully, and with this first major title, the golfing world is sure to keep its eyes on him moving forward.