Orlando, Florida – The late great Arnold Palmer always said he wanted to host a US Open at Bay Hill. He never got his wish but the conditions at the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week sure made it seem like a US Open as Scottie Sheffler takes home his second PGA Tour victory.
It was a dramatic week of lead changes and crazy difficult conditions at Bay Hill that made it an exciting finish on Sunday. It started off on Thursday with Rory McIlroy taking the 18-hole lead after dropping six birdies and an eagle. Unfortunately for Rory, he posted a combined an 8-over par for the weekend to fall out of contention. Viktor Hovland had the low round for Friday and managed to hold the lead several times throughout the weekend. Hovland also struggled on the weekend shooting a 75 and 74 on Saturday and Sunday. Despite his high scores, he still gave himself a chance on the 72nd hole to get into a playoff.
Coming down the stretch on Sunday, Sheffler managed to save pars and keep a 1-shot lead. On the 72nd hole, Sheffler needed a long 2-putt but he would need a few others to miss their birdies as well to prevent a playoff. His playing partner, Viktor Hovland had a chance to tie on the 18th as he just left a very makeable birdie putt short. With Scottie looking on, the final group came through where Billy Horschel had a chance to force a playoff with a three. Billy’s approach was too far left and his birdie putt never really got close, confirming the win for Sheffler. This is Scotties second win in three starts after his first career victory came just a few weeks back at the Waste Management.
Next week, the PGA Tour heads to TPC Sawgrass for the 2022 Players Championship.
Scottie Sheffler WITB:
DRIVER: TaylorMade Stealth Plus+ 8 degrees (Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 60X)
FAIRWAY WOOD: Nike VR Pro 13.5 degrees (Fujikura Atmos Black Tour Spec 8x)
IRONS: Srixon ZU85 (3), with Nippon Pro Modus3 Hybrid Tour X, Srixon ZX7 (4), TaylorMade P7TW (5-PW) (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100)
WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM8 50, 56, 60 degrees (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400)
PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Special Select Timeless Tour prototype
BALL: Titleist Pro V1
- The 2023 Hero World Challenge Recap - December 3, 2023
- Cypress Bend at Craft Farms Golf Course Review - November 22, 2023
- Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club Golf Course Review - November 2, 2023
