Kurt Kitayama Breaks Through to Win Arnold Palmer Invitational

Kurt Kitayama of the United States celebrates with the trophy after winning during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course in Orlando on March 5, 2023. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Kurt Kitayama overcame a triple bogey and beat out a star-packed field to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational for his first PGA Tour victory on Sunday, March 5, in Orlando, Fla.

Kitayama recovered to shoot an even-par 72, making a vital birdie at No. 17 and a memorable par at No. 18 at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, finishing 9-under 279 to beat star Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Harris English by a single shot.