2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational Recap: Henley Claims Victory at Bay Hill

The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge delivered yet another thrilling week of PGA Tour action. With firm greens, demanding rough, and the usual Bay Hill drama, the tournament tested the world’s best. In the end, Russell Henley emerged victorious, capturing the title with a final score of 11-under 277, securing the $4,000,000 winner’s check and 700 FedEx Cup points.

Final Round Highlights & Key Performances

Henley Holds On for the Win

Russell Henley played consistent and steady golf all week, carding rounds of 72-68-67-70 to edge out Collin Morikawa by one stroke. His ability to navigate Bay Hill’s tough closing stretch proved to be the difference, and his final-round 70 was enough to claim the prestigious title.

Morikawa’s Strong Push Falls Short

World No. 5 Collin Morikawa put together an impressive week, finishing one shot back at 10-under 278. A third-round 67 positioned him well, but his final-round 72 wasn’t quite enough to force a playoff. However, a $2,200,000 payday and 400 FedEx Cup points put him in great standing for the season.

Straka’s Weekend Charge

Sepp Straka was one of the biggest movers over the weekend. After an opening-round 77, he bounced back with a stunning 66 on Friday, followed by 69-69 on the weekend to finish T5 at 7-under 281, earning $800,000 and 287.5 FedEx Cup points.

McIlroy’s Solid but Unspectacular Finish

Coming off a strong start, Rory McIlroy looked like he might contend for the win, but a third-round 73 slowed his momentum. He closed with a final-round 72, finishing at 3-under 285, good for T15 and $349,000.

Aaron Rai, Scottie Scheffler, & Tommy Fleetwood Finish T11

Three big names—Aaron Rai, Scottie Scheffler, and Tommy Fleetwood—each ended the tournament T11 at 4-under 284, securing $451,250 each and 115 FedEx Cup points.

Notable Finishes & Missed Cuts

Solid Showings from Cantlay, Thomas, & Kirk

  • Patrick Cantlay finished T31 at 1-over 289, earning $126,000 and 29.5 FedEx Cup points.
  • Justin Thomas struggled on Sunday, finishing T36 at 3-over 291, but still took home $96,750.
  • Chris Kirk, Hideki Matsuyama, Ludvig Åberg, and Will Zalatoris all finished T22 at even-par 288, earning $178,111.11 each and 40.056 FedEx Cup points.

Missed Cuts Shake Up the Field

Some notable players failed to make the cut, including:

  • Viktor Hovland (+5/149)
  • Harris English (+6/150)
  • Akshay Bhatia (+8/152)
  • Maverick McNealy (+9/153)

With Bay Hill’s demanding conditions taking their toll, the tournament once again proved why it's one of the most difficult non-major stops on the PGA Tour.

Final Thoughts

The Arnold Palmer Invitational lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest and most prestigious events of the year. Russell Henley’s victory adds another impressive name to the tournament’s storied history.

With The Players Championship next on the schedule, the season is heating up. Can Morikawa carry his momentum into TPC Sawgrass? Will McIlroy or Scheffler bounce back? The next few weeks on Tour are sure to be exciting!

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