Golf fans were left frustrated during the dramatic closing stages of the Arnold Palmer Invitational when much of Russell Henley’s tournament-winning chip-in on Bay Hill’s par-5 16th hole was missed due to a commercial break.
Henley entered the hole just one shot behind playing partner Collin Morikawa but produced a stunning two-shot swing by chipping in from the right side of the green to take the lead.
Morikawa, who had been three strokes ahead at the 13th tee, could only manage a par on the 16th, allowing Henley to overtake him.
However, U.S. golf fans expressed their frustration on social media after returning to NBC Sports’ broadcast while Henley’s ball was already rolling into the cup.
A Rolex commercial aired just as Henley was setting up for his eagle chip, causing viewers to miss much of the decisive moment in the tournament.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was among the high-profile critics, slamming the broadcast for failing to show the lead-up to Henley’s shot and the exact moment of contact.
He posted a clip of what viewers witnessed and questioned: “Why is golf just the worst at TV? Are you kidding me? What’s the point of watching golf if you miss the most important shot of the whole tournament?”
This frustration comes despite the PGA Tour’s announcement earlier in the week that fans watching the Arnold Palmer Invitational would experience “fewer commercials” during the tournament.
“Viewers will notice fewer commercials within the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard broadcast, with time repurposed for live golf segments focused on the player-caddie interaction,” the PGA Tour announced.
One of the commercials appeared to air at the worst possible moment.
Henley’s chip-in was followed by two consecutive pars as he secured the biggest victory of his career, claiming the $4 million first-place prize and moving up to 7th in the world rankings.
“I’ve grown up watching this event and just seeing all the amazing finishes coming down the stretch, and you never really think you’re going to get that opportunity to come down the 18th and make a par to win,” he said.
“It’s really just hard to take in right now. It’s a tremendous honor, and that’s what’s so cool about this game, is to go play where all the legends have played.”
Henley described his chip-in on 16 as “surreal.”
“That’s just kind of golf. I mean, sometimes you get a good break like that and it hits the pin and goes in,” he said.
“I asked Andy [his caddie, Andrew Sanders] after, and he said he didn’t think it would be but 5 or 6 feet by, but I guess I need to watch it on the replay to see how fast it was moving, but kind of surreal.”
