Rory McIlroy takes win at 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational
Five birdies in the last six holes saw Rory McIlroy record a final round 64 (-18) to win the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, Orlando.
It seemed fitting that the Northern Ireland golfer should win during St. Patrick’s Day weekend and his charge on the back nine will be remembered by the huge crowds for a long time to come.
Going into the final round McIlroy was two shots behind Henrik Stenson and there were few signs the Irishman would turn things around when he parred his first five holes to fall four adrift of Stenson but everything came alive at the turn to give him a deserved victory. Trailing in behind was Bryson DeChambeau who came second three shots behind on -15, Justin Rose in third at -14 while Stenson finished fourth at -13. Tiger Woods came in with -10, good enough for a fifth place finish tied with Ryan Moore.
After the round McIlroy said, “It means a lot. The last time I won a PGA TOUR event was the day that Mr. Palmer passed away. So it’s a little bit ironic that I come here and win. But he set a great example to all us players to try and follow in his footsteps. And if everyone on TOUR could handle themselves the way Arnie did, the game of golf would be in a better place. He was a fine man. I’m very lucky to have spent time with him. He shared a birthday with my wife Erica, so we always talked about that. To be able to win his event – I wish I walked up that hill and got a handshake from him – but I’m so happy to put my name on that trophy.”
