The King’s place gave us a horse race. But it was Bryson DeChambeau, the last guy you’d want as your jockey, who edged out Lee Westwood to win The Arnold Palmer Invitational by one shot.
It was neck and neck all Sunday afternoon, the sort of back and forth, punch for punch melee that glues you in your seat guilt-free for five hours. And it was all decided by a putt on 18—a clutch five-footer DeChambeau converted to make par and seal his eighth PGA Tour win.
This event is about great golf, but also serves as a time to recognize the legacy of Arnold Palmer. In many respects, DeChambeau played the type of golf the tournament’s namesake was famous for producing—aggressive, confident, and full of resolve under Sunday pressure—something Bryson alluded to after his victory.
“‘Play boldly,’ as Mr. Palmer said. It’s not about how many times you get kicked down, it’s about how many times you pick yourself up,” said DeChambeau. He also mentioned post-round that Tiger Woods gave him a text this morning urging him to stay focused and resilient throughout the round. All in all, two pretty solid players to pull inspiration from.
What Westwood-a Been
Lee Westwood entered the final round with a one-shot lead after a sterling 65 on Saturday, putting the 47-year-old in prime position to close out his first PGA Tour win since 2010. The seasoned vet weathered the windy conditions and stood on the 18th tee trailing by just one after an up and down day. But experience doesn’t protect you from bad breaks, which is exactly what Westwood got when his tee ball found a fairway divot. However, the brawny Englishman was able to find the green with his approach and make par, applying the heat back on Bryson, who would go on to sink the tournament’s final putt.
Revenge of the Sixth
Not only did DeChambeau win the tournament, he also won the impromptu driving competition that commenced on the par-5 sixth hole Saturday and Sunday. Social media was abuzz about whether or not he would take on the green, which he did (sort of) on the weekend. Taking his line directly over the pond and just right of the green, DeChambeau provided a Happy Gilmore-esque setting at Bay Hill that was nothing short of electric.
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Full of Fandom
The fans were back, seemingly more back then they’ve been in a long time—not quite in full force, but you wouldn’t know it judging by their rowdiness and “mashed potatoes!” shouts after every DeChambeau drive. Watching the telecast on Sunday felt refreshingly normal, which is notable considering this tournament was the last one completed before the pandemic struck a year ago. From the leaderboard jostling to the passionate fandom, this week’s tournament got the juices flowing like few have in a long, long time.
Conners’ Close Call
Canadian Cory Conners entered Sunday one back of the lead held by Lee Westwood. After opening up with six straight pars, Conners faltered on the seventh hole, missing a short putt to log his first bogey, which was followed up with another bogey on nine. It looked as though the native of Listowel, Ontario missed his opportunity to win until he made a clutch eagle on 16, getting him within one shot with two to play. Unfortunately, Conners couldn’t keep the momentum going, closing bogey, bogey, finishing the tournament at eight-under par for solo third place.
What’s In The Bag
Driver: Cobra King LTD Pro (7.5 degrees)
3-wood: Cobra King Prototype B (10.5 degrees)
3-wood: Cobra King SZ Tour (14.5 degrees @13.5)
Irons: Cobra King One Length Utility (4, 5), Cobra King Forged Tour One Length (6-PW)
Wedges: Artisan Prototype (50 @47, 55 @52, 60 @58)
Putter: SIK Pro C-Series Armlock
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B X