Russell Henley says what Collin Morikawa and Rory McIlroy are like to be paired with after playing with both at Bay Hill recently

Add as preferred source on Google

World number seven Russell Henley has shared what it’s like to play alongside Collin Morikawa and Rory McIlroy.

Henley was paired with McIlroy on Saturday and Morikawa on Sunday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational two weeks ago.

The 35-year-old beat those two to win the iconic event at Bay Hill and asserted himself as one of the best golfers on the planet.

But that hasn’t stopped Henley from marvelling at their talent as he recently shared what impressed him the most when playing with them.

• READ MORE: What Collin Morikawa has recently learned how to do which has completely transformed his game

Russell Henley says what’s so ‘beautiful’ about Collin Morikawa’s game

Henley spoke to former PGA Tour player Smylie Kaufman about his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

He capitalized on Morikawa’s mistakes in the closing stages of the tournament, yet he had nothing but admiration for his Presidents Cup teammate.

Henley said: “How solid is Collin? He’s just so steady. It’s like most guys, like for me at least, when I start playing a fade eventually I overdo it and start hitting some pulls or some overfades. But he pretty much has his fade on autopilot for his whole life. It’s just pretty to watch.

“He is very confident. His demeanour and everything about him just exudes confidence and his game is beautiful to watch.

“I know it was going to be hard. But I think playing well consistently and putting myself in a position to have good tournaments kind of prepared me for that. I kind of expected it and I kind of wanted it. I didn’t really want to be in a situation where everything was easy.

“At this level we all kind of want to see what we are made of and I was excited about it. I have spent some time with Collin at the Presidents Cup and enjoy playing with him.”

Russell Henley was amazed by some of Rory McIlroy’s shots at Bay Hill

Midway through his praise for Morikawa, Henley pointed out that he was also impressed by McIlroy on Saturday at Bay Hill.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational winner was humble enough to admit that the Northern Irishman hits shots that he can’t replicate.

“I have gotten to the point in my career now where just watching what other guys do really well, I respect it and I enjoy it. I played with Rory on Saturday and some shots he hit that day I will never be able to hit and most guys on tour won’t ever be able to hit.

“It’s just cool to be able to look through the lens of appreciating and respecting guys’ games and that really helped me.”