By Rahul Banerji
DeChambeau Defies Distance may well become a regular headline in years to come as the Californian muscled his way to the 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational title in Orlando on Sunday.
On a difficult final day, DeChambeau (67-71-68-71) held on well to get the better of overnight leader Lee Westwood by one shot, the American finishing on 11-under 277 at Bay Hill.
It was DeChambeau’s eighth PGA Tour title and he also became the first American to win the prestigious event since Matt Every in 2015.
Lahiri gets a break
Meanwhile, in good news for Indian golf fans, Anirban Lahiri will play the upcoming The Players Championship next week.
In a statement, the PGA Tour said on Sunday, “Eight-time Tour winner Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the Players Championship due to injury.
“Brooks strained his right knee and he is scheduled to further consult with doctors this week to receive a more extensive evaluation and outlook,” said Blake Smith, Koepka’s manager.
“We will be able to provide additional updates and information as we learn more.”
“Koepka, currently seventh in the FedEx Cup standings after his win at the Phoenix Open, last played at the WGC-Workday Championship where he finished tied for second.
“With Koepka’s withdrawal, the field now includes 48 of the top 50 in both the FedEx Cup standings and the Official World Golf Ranking.
“He will be replaced in the 154-player field by Anirban Lahiri of India.”
Lahiri failed to make the cut at the Palmer Invitational, carding a 6-over 78 on Friday to drop out of contention.
Speith, Jazz slip up
Corey Connors of Canada was third, three shots behind DeChambeau. Crowd favourite Jordan Speith, Richy Werenski and Andrew Putnam of the US tied for fourth place on 6-under 282s.
Hideki Matsuyama was the top Asian finisher on 2-under 286, while Thailand star Jazz Janewattananond was unable to sustain his momentum to aggregate a 3-over 293 with a final day card of 84.
Sunday’s win took DeChambeau to no. 1 in the FedEx Cup standings for the second time this season besides making him the first player to top multiple events during the 2020-21 season after the US Open.
Extra special
“It’s beyond my wildest dreams to win Mr. Palmer ‘s event,” said DeChambeau later.
“I came here as an amateur, he (Palmer) gave me an invitation and I loved this golf course the minute I arrived.
“Loved the atmosphere and I love the fans. I loved what Mr. Palmer did with this place and what he’s done, and his legacy he’s left here.”
For Westwood, it was a seventh runner-up finish on Tour and his best at the API in 14 starts. His last win came in 2010 at the FedEx St. Jude Classic.
No bogey-free rounds were recorded on the final day after five players did so over the first three days.
Also, the scoring average on Sunday was highest of the event at 75.486 against 73.163, 72.669 and 70.875 on the first three days.
Also read: Lahiri sits mid-pack after opening round of Palmer Invitational
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