Collin Morikawa’s frustrating run of near-misses has continued with the PGA Tour pro suffering yet another loss at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational—One of the toughest losses of his career. This latest setback comes after a string of close calls, including two runner-up finishes in 2024 and two more already in 2025. His impressive consistency has been overshadowed by his inability to close out tournaments, leaving him frustrated!

The Arnold Palmer Invitational was no exception, as Morikawa fell short once again, finishing in second place behind Russell Henley. You see, on Saturday, he looked untouchable as his scores soared. Morikawa gutted out a five-under 67 to take the 54-hole lead, and he walked to Bay Hill’s 16th hole on Sunday thinking his winless drought was about to end. However, Russell Henley had shot a 67 in the third round to get within one shot of Morikawa. In fact, the former remained one back as they reached 16, but things were about to change quickly.

After missing the green with his second shot on the par 5, Henley went for an eagle which changed his fate. On the other hand, Morikawa could get only a pair and Henley stole the lead, eventually claiming victory. So it was understandable that Collin Morikawa was in no mood to talk to the media after the loss. So he simply skipped the post-round press conference. However, on Monday morning, he took to his social media and wrote: “No excuses. Never had any, but always a nice reminder. Honestly though, this one stings.” Now a PGA Tour pro broke his silence in the golfer’s support.

It is Michael Kim. His consistent play has him trending around a top-25 player in the world, according to DataGolf, with his 25-round moving average nearing his peak. Kim, who had a strong week himself with a fourth-place finish, took to social media to share his thoughts on the tournament. “Stoked for Russell but gutted for Collin,” Kim wrote. “I think this will push him more to win a major again this year.”

Morikawa’s tough loss has sent shockwaves through the golf community. The $4 million loss will surely sting, but Morikawa will need to bounce back quickly if he hopes to break his runner-up curse. What makes it worse for the golfer is the fact that this is the second time he will have to settle for the runner-up position. He previously finished second at the season-opening Sentry. So his $2.2 million check (Bay Hill) and $2.16 million (Sentry) will have to keep him satisfied for now.

But hey, let us look at the bright side as well. A victory at a bigger tournament would certainly help the golfer. So this week’s upcoming Players Championship, with a $4.5 million purse, could really motivate Morikawa. No wonder Kim is rooting for the Japanese-Chinese golfer to bounce back and make a major splash later this year. However, what makes Morikawa’s 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational loss sad is that he was actually looking forward to winning it.

Collin Morikawa’s patient pursuit of victory falls short…

Collin Morikawa was looking forward to winning the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational, as his last win was back at the 2023 ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP. With a stress-free season so far, Morikawa has been striking the ball with sublime precision, reminiscent of his form in 2021.

His third-round 67 at Bay Hill was a testament to his consistency, as he missed just four fairways and four greens to take a one-stroke lead over Russell Henley. Morikawa acknowledged that it’s been a while since he has hit his irons this well, considering he was sick in February but his renewed control had given him a sense of freedom on the course.

However, Morikawa’s patience was ultimately tested as he fell short of victory. Despite his impressive form, Morikawa was unable to close out the win, finishing second behind Russell Henley. Morikawa’s wait for his first PGA Tour win since 2023 continues, but he can take heart in knowing that his game is in top shape. “It does make it easier to stay patient,” he had said earlier. “I fully know that it doesn’t mean that you’re going to play well… but it’s a sense of freedom when you go out and play golf and you just go play golf, try and get the ball in the hole.”

Morikawa will now look to bounce back from this disappointment and continue his pursuit of victory. What do you think?