The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour, held annually at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.
The event was established in 1979 by the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, quickly becoming a fan favorite due to Palmer’s involvement and the high level of competition it attracts. Known for its challenging course and rich history, the tournament has featured many of golf’s greatest players over the years.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is typically played in March and is considered one of the key events in the lead-up to the PGA Tour. The course at Bay Hill, designed by Palmer himself, is renowned for its difficulty, with tight fairways, water hazards and greens that demand a true test of skill.
The tournament featured a competitive field with 72 players. Notably, 38 of the world’s top 40 players participated, including defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Hideki Matsuyama, Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland and Tommy Fleetwood.
GCSU golf fans remark on their opinions on who might prevail in the tournament before its close on March 13.
“My money is on Rory,” said Spencer Collins, a junior business major. “He’s my favorite golfer and I follow him during the PGA tour. He has some tough competition but I think he can pull through and dominate the tournament.”
Coming into the tournament, analysts expected the winner to be Morikawa.
Morikawa is an American professional golfer who has quickly risen to prominence on the PGA Tour. He is known for his consistency, exceptional skill off-drive and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
“Yeah Morikawa is an amazing golfer,” Collins said, “he’s a fresh face and very talented, I understand the analysts however anything can happen.”
Morikawa won his first major championship at the 2020 PGA Championship at Harding Park in San Francisco, securing victory in just his second major appearance.
Morikawa has also earned multiple PGA Tour victories since becoming professional, including titles at prestigious events such as the WGC-Workday Championship.
As of March 13, Russell Henley clinched the title with an 11-under-par finish, beating out Morikawa by one stroke. Corey Conners secured third place, finishing at 9-under par.
Henley’s victory at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational was a thrilling finish, marked by a dramatic late eagle on the 16th hole, which helped him secure the win. Henley, who had been trailing Morikawa, made a clutch move during the final round at Bay Hill Club & Lodge, finishing at 11-under-par. Morikawa, who had led the tournament for much of the week, finished with 10-under-par in second place.
“I kinda expected that Russell Henley would dominate,” said Cooper Treadaway a junior business administration major, “but I didn’t think it would be this close, I mean he only won by one stroke so it makes for a very exciting competition going into the PGA tour.”
Henley’s performance was a testament to his composure and skill, especially in the final moments when he needed to perform under pressure. His eagle on the 16th hole shifted the momentum, and although Morikawa played hard, Henley’s strong finish ensured his first victory in nearly three years. It was a breakthrough moment for Henley, earning him the top prize of $4 million and exalting him into the top 10 of the World Golf Rankings.
The tournament was a true test of skill, with Bay Hill Club & Lodge providing a challenging and dynamic layout that forced players to stay focused throughout the weekend. Henley’s performance on the back nine ultimately sealed his victory, creating a thrilling conclusion to a prestigious event.