Collin Morikawa will likely have bittersweet feelings about the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which was won by Russell Henley.
Henley won the Arnold Palmer Invitational by one shot, finishing on 11-under at Bay Hill, with Morikawa second on 10-under.
Morikawa was praised by Henley after their Arnold Palmer Invitational battle, with the former having held a three-shot lead during the final round.
But his one-stroke lead on the 16th turned into a one-shot deficit, when Henley chipped in for eagle as Morikawa made par.
Both players then finished par-par, resulting in Henley clinching his fifth PGA Tour title and Morikawa missing out on his seventh.
Collin Morikawa labelled ‘generational talent’ by Russell Henley
The runner-up now has nine top-five finishes across the last two seasons, but remains without a win throughout that period.
But latest PGA Tour champion Henley is predicting silverware for his compatriot very soon, having written on Instagram after his win: “What just happened?!
“If I looked a little stunned down the stretch… it’s because I was. Things can change quickly at the end of a golf tournament, and that’s exactly what happened today.
“So thankful to be on the right side of that, and to come out on top at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. It is always an honor to participate in Mr. Palmer’s tournament – one of the best events we have all year.
“Collin is a generational talent and he will no doubt be back in the winner’s circle soon. He was so steady today. I’m glad I get to play with him and not against him in team events!
“Our family had a great time in Orlando, and the trip up to Sawgrass will be a little sweeter this year. Thank you to all of the fans, volunteers and tournament staff for an unforgettable week.”
Michael Kim makes Collin Morikawa major claim after Arnold Palmer Invitational
Morikawa also finished second at The Sentry on his 2025 PGA Tour debut, with T17 finishes following at both the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Invitational.
He does, of course, know all about success at the highest level, with his six titles including wins at the PGA Championship and The Open Championship.
READ MORE: Collin Morikawa reacts on Instagram after blowing three-shot lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
But he now needs to turn his good form into further success, with the perfect chance arriving this week at the Players Championship.
TPC Sawgrass plays host to the tournament, which will be used by many as further preparation for the Masters.
And whether it be at Augusta National or elsewhere, Michael Kim is expecting big things from Morikawa at major championship level in 2025.
Having finished two shots behind his fellow American at Bay Hill, Kim wrote among other things on X: “Stoked for Russell but gutted for Collin. I think this will push him more to win a major again this yr.”
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