Collin Morikawa addresses tough Arnold Palmer Invitational defeat on social media

Collin Morikawa watched Russell Henley pass him by at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Collin Morikawa did not speak to the media following Sunday’s final round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where his playing partner, Russell Henley, eclipsed him by a stroke.

It was another heartwrenching defeat for Morikawa, who has only one victory on the PGA Tour since his triumphant victory at Royal St. George’s in 2021. Given his talent and his pedigree, that fact seems impossible. But his last win came at the ZOZO Championship in October 2023. Morikawa has had plenty of close calls over the past few years, including at Augusta National, The Memorial, and Tour Championship a year ago. But he has not gotten over the hump in almost 18 months.

Alas, the moment of the Arnold Palmer Invitational came on the par-5 16th hole, the easiest on the course. Henley, facing a one shot deficit to Morikawa, chipped-in for an eagle three, while Morikawa could only muster a par after finding the fairway bunker off the tee. Henley then held on for the victory, as both players made a pair of pars on the challenging 17th and 18th holes.

Morikawa then took to Instagram on Monday morning.

“No excuses. Never had any, but always a nice reminder. Honestly though, this one stings,” he wrote.

Morikawa held a three-shot advantage when he walked off the 13th green, as Arnie’s Red Cardigan looked like it was headed his way. But he then bogied the par-3 14th while Henley made a birdie, a two-shot swing that served as a harbinger for things to come.

At least Morikawa has The Players Championship this week at TPC Sawgrass. He does not have time to dwell on his latest defeat and will work to rebound instead. His best finish at The Players came two years ago, when he tied for 13th. But considering the two-time major winner is hitting the ball tremendously from tee-to-green, he should factor into the discussion this week in Ponta Vedra Beach.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Follow him on X @jack_milko.