Arnold Palmer Invitational

Kitayama Holds Off Mcllroy For Thrilling Win

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Kurt Kitayama kept his cool in a nerve-shredding final round to clinch his first PGA Tour victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The 30-year-old journeyman, who led by one at the start of the final round, held off a ferocious challenge from some of the biggest names in golf to card an even-par 72 for a one-shot victory.

Kitayama’s hopes of a maiden win appeared to have faded after a disastrous end to the front nine, when he took a triple-bogey seven to relinquish the lead. But he steadied the ship, reeling off seven straight pars before sinking a 13-foot birdie putt at the 17th to reclaim the lead on nine under.