Arnold Palmer Invitational Recap: Russell Henley Chips in to Steal It

Leading up to The Players Championship (aka the fifth major), a strong field at Bay Hill reminded us all that golf is hard - even for the best in the world. The leaderboard was stacked with big names heading into the weekend, but journeyman Russell Henley finished on top thanks to one of the most clutch chip-ins you'll ever see. 

Here are 5 Takeaways from the weekend that was: 

Collin Morikawa's Ball Striking is Back 

Everyone knows Collin Morikawa is an elite ball-striker, particularly with the irons. This weekend was a reminder that although he hasn't won since 2023, his game is where it needs to be at this point in the season. 

If not for Henley's unlikely chip, we'd be talking about one of golf's biggest names back atop the leaderboard. 

Rory's Strong Start Continues 

After a tumultuous last few years, Rory McIlroy has settled down. Granted, a player of his stature isn't writing home about a top-15 in a non-major event, but he's shown signs of consistency that should get fans excited about his chances heading into Augusta. 

Russell Henley Is On a Heater 

Here's a question for the golf group text: what is API winner Russell Henley ranked in the world? Currently, he holds the #7 in the OWGR. That puts him ahead of JT, Wyndham Clark, and Patrick Cantlay. 

Down by one stroke on 16, he managed to chip in for eagle to take the lead for good. As a side note, let's hope the broadcast teams figure out how to avoid missing the shot like they did this time around. 

Will he remain in the top 10 for the duration of the season? That remains to be seen. But for now, he's got a 5th career win and $4 million check to fall back on. 

Scottie Still Win-less in 2025

Maybe parity is back in professional golf, or maybe he's still getting his comfort level back after a freak hand injury earlier this year. Scottie Scheffler's pedestrian (by his standards) weekend showed that the world #1 hasn't emerged as a dominant force...yet. 

With all that being said, expect to see the best player in the world pick it up this weekend at TPC Sawgrass. 

Jason Day's Resurgence 

If not for a +2 on Sunday, we might be talking about Jason Day hoisting the trophy. Still, the 37-year old proved that he has what it takes to battle it out with the biggest names in the sport.

The Players Championship Early Prediction

Nobody ever wants to pick the favorite, but past performances at Sawgrass leave us no choice: Scottie takes home the title this weekend.