Stenson’s late collapse yet another heartbreak

ORLANDO, Fla. — One of these days, maybe Henrik Stenson will win the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Because he’s done everything but win the tournament.

This was Stenson’s tournament to win all week. He opened with a 64 on Thursday and led after every round. But Stenson managed to shoot only a 1-under 71 in Sunday’s final round and it wasn’t enough. Not with winner Rory McIlroy boat-racing the field with an 8-under 64.

So Stenson finished fourth. That falls in with his tie for third in 2016, his runner-up in 2014, tie for fifth in 2013 and tie for eighth in 2012.

“Ultimately, it kind of stinks, but at the same point in time, I’m happy with where my game’s at,” Stenson said. “It’s my first time being in the big thick of things with a lot of guys. That’s how it goes. Still had a great week.

“I can’t do anything about that. I played some great golf, had some great upand-downs, made a couple key putts coming down the stretch, and there’s not really much more I can do about it. I’m just looking forward to Augusta honestly, this is a great preparation for Augusta.”

The player who put the most head on McIlroy was Bryson DeChambeau, a one-time winner who began the day one shot behind Stenson. He shot a 4- under 68 and finished alone in second place.

It was his eagle on the par-5 16th hole that put a charge into the back nine. McIlroy was 17-under at the time and playing the 17th hole and the DeChambeau eagle got him to 16-under, one shot out of the lead. He lamented missing a birdie chance on 17 that would have gotten him to 17-under.

“I thought it was going right,” DeChambeau said. “The book said it was going right, and I hit it, and like halfway there, I’m like, ‘Man, this is on track.’

“Ultimately, it didn’t break right, but that’s just how the cookie crumbles sometimes. The books aren’t always dead on.”

DeChambeau said he was energized by the run Tiger Woods was making up ahead of the leaders.

“It was amazing,” he said. “I told my caddie, Tim, on the 11th fairway, I’m like, ‘Man, Tiger’s doing it.’ I mean, I was incredibly happy for him. At the same point in time, I’m still trying to win a golf tournament, right? Pretty cool.’’