'Sometimes golf is mean' – Henley edges out Morikawa at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Russell Henley overcame his final-round nerves to edge out Collin Morikawa for the biggest title of his career at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Henley found himself two shots back of Morikawa through 10 holes of Sunday's fourth round, only to charge back into contention with birdies on the 12th and 14th.

He then sank an eagle chip from beyond the edge of the 16th green to take the lead, later saying he was fortunate that shot did not run all the way off the green.

A missed birdie putt from two-time major winner Morikawa ensured Henley went into the final two holes with the advantage, and he parred both to clinch a memorable victory.

"Hats off to Collin, he played great, super-steady, but sometimes golf is just mean like that," the 35-year-old told CBS.

"I was so nervous, so unbelievably nervous. I can't breathe right now. It's so hard and so difficult around this place.

"I just tried to stay really tough. I've watched Tiger [Woods] make a lot of putts on this green.

"I've watched Rory [McIlroy], Fran [Francesco Molinari] and Bryson [DeChambeau] make winning putts here, and it's cool to know I did it too."

It was Henley's fifth PGA Tour title and his first since winning the World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico in November 2022.

His three previous triumphs came at the 2013 Sony Open in Hawaii, the 2014 Honda Classic and the 2017 Shell Houston Open.

854 days in the makingRussell Henley is back in the winner's circle for his fifth TOUR victory @APInv! pic.twitter.com/pBfD1FWk1F
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 9, 2025

Canada's Corey Conners finished a shot back of Morikawa in third, ensuring he clinched a spot at The Open at Royal Portrush, as the top finisher not otherwise exempt from qualification.

"It's fantastic," Conners said. "I think it was the only major that I wasn't qualified for yet and it feels awesome to get my spot there.

"There was a little question mark on my summer travel plans because of that, but I'm excited to get back to Royal Portrush, I really liked playing there in 2019."

The United States' Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, meanwhile, set a tournament record with a brilliant 29 through the first nine holes of his fourth round.

But he tailed off on the back nine and ultimately carded a score of 64, finishing tied fifth for the week with Sepp Straka, one shot behind Michael Kim.