Russell Henley’s Victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Establishes Him as a Top-10 Player
Russell Henley’s recent win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational has solidified his status as a top-10 player in the world, even if he struggles to believe it himself. The tournament, held at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, saw Henley stage an incredible comeback to claim his fifth PGA TOUR victory. His remarkable final stretch, which included a crucial eagle on the 16th hole, separated him from his competitors, including Collin Morikawa, and marked a significant milestone in his career.
An Unconventional Talent
Henley is not the typical modern PGA TOUR golfer. Unlike the big hitters who dominate today’s game, Henley relies on precision and consistency rather than raw power. While many of his contemporaries excel in driving distance, Henley thrives on accuracy, ranking first in this category. His ability to adapt and make the most of his skills played a key role in his victory at Bay Hill, a course often favored by long hitters.
Despite moving up to No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking and No. 2 in the FedExCup standings, Henley remains modest about his accomplishments. “I don’t really feel like a top-10 player,” he admitted after his win. However, his performance in the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational tells a different story.
A Defining Performance
Henley’s path to victory was marked by a series of exceptional shots in the final stretch. At the 14th hole, trailing by three strokes, he executed a rare high-cut 5-iron that landed just 10 feet from the hole, setting up a critical birdie. Morikawa, his main competitor, three-putted from 73 feet, allowing Henley to close the gap.
The defining moment came at the 16th hole, a 491-yard par 5. Henley, facing a tricky chip from the rough, executed a perfect shot that dropped into the hole for an eagle. This unexpected stroke gave him a one-shot lead over Morikawa, who could only manage a par.
Henley credited his improved short game to recent work with coach Mark Blackburn. Just a week before, at the Cognizant Classic, his chipping had let him down, but after focused lessons, he demonstrated significant progress at Bay Hill. “That chip on 16 wouldn’t have been possible a week ago,” Henley noted.
The Mental and Technical Breakthrough
Henley’s transformation extends beyond his short game. Putting had been a weakness in recent years, with Henley ranking outside the top 100 in putting for five straight seasons. However, after working with renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon, he regained confidence and precision on the greens. His clutch par-saving putt on the 17th hole, a nerve-wracking five-footer, highlighted just how much he has improved in high-pressure situations.
With a one-shot lead heading into the final hole, Henley held his nerve and secured a par, sealing the victory at Arnold Palmer’s legendary course. The triumph represents not just a breakthrough but also confirmation of the steady progress he has made over the past few years.
A Bright Future Ahead
Henley’s win at Bay Hill marks a turning point in his career. Over the past year, his stats have consistently placed him among the best golfers in the world. He has ranked inside the top 25 in Strokes Gained: Total for two consecutive years, but until now, he lacked a major victory to validate his position among the elite.
With his latest success, the evidence is clear—Henley belongs in the top 10. Now, the next challenge for him is to fully embrace that reality and continue building on this momentum. As he puts it, “It’s just hard to take in. I can’t explain it.”
But with his newfound confidence, his game speaks for itself.
