Jon Rahm Shoots Final-Round 62 to Win Arnold Palmer Invitational in Dramatic Comeback

Jon Rahm produced one of the most spectacular comebacks in recent PGA Tour history Thursday afternoon at Bay Hill Club & Lodge, firing a course-record 62 in the final round to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational by two strokes. The 31-year-old Spaniard entered the day six shots behind leader Scottie Scheffler but delivered a masterclass in precision golf that included 10 birdies and an eagle to claim his first victory of the 2026 season.

Rahm was absolutely dialed in from the opening tee shot, hitting 17 of 18 greens in regulation while averaging just 11 feet from the pin on his approach shots. His putter was equally hot, as he needed only 24 putts for the round and made everything he looked at during a back-nine charge that had the Bay Hill gallery on their feet throughout the afternoon.

The turning point came at the par-5 12th hole, where Rahm holed out from 142 yards for a spectacular eagle that sent shockwaves through the leaderboard. The shot was part of a stretch where he played the final seven holes in 6-under par, applying relentless pressure on the leaders while never making a single mistake on one of the PGA Tour's most challenging layouts.

"This feels incredible, especially to do it here at Mr. Palmer's tournament," Rahm said while holding the crystal trophy. "I knew I needed something special today, and when that eagle went in on 12, I could feel the momentum shifting. Bay Hill demands respect and precision, and when everything clicks like it did today, you can shoot a number like this. This gives me tremendous confidence heading into the Masters next month."

Scheffler, who had appeared in complete control through three rounds, struggled with his iron play in the final round and shot 74 to finish in a tie for third. The world No. 1 was gracious in defeat, acknowledging that Rahm had produced the type of round that wins tournaments and praising his fellow competitor for an exceptional performance under pressure.

The victory marks Rahm's 12th PGA Tour title and his second Arnold Palmer Invitational crown, having previously won at Bay Hill in 2021. His final-round 62 tied the tournament record and served notice that he remains one of the world's premier players despite a relatively quiet start to the 2026 season.

Rahm's dramatic comeback also provides momentum heading into the Masters Tournament, where he will be seeking his second green jacket after winning at Augusta National in 2023. His combination of ball-striking precision and clutch putting displayed Thursday suggests he will be a formidable contender when golf's first major championship begins in three weeks. The performance also reinforced his reputation as one of the game's great closers, capable of producing magical rounds when championships are on the line.