Day pleased with gritty win in Orlando

Jason Day was happy to have overcome a testing final day to clinch victory in the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando.

The Australian, who has climbed to world number two as a result of the win, made five birdies and three bogeys to sign for a two-under-par 70 and finish on -17.

It was not the most accomplished performance from the 28-year-old but two key shots on the 17th and 18th highlighted why he is one of the best golfers around.

A superb birdie putt on the penultimate hole was followed by a sensational bunker shot on the last that left Day with around four feet to seal the win.

The victory was the first of 2016 for the US PGA champion and he was delighted to have shown mental strength to get over the finishing line.

“It means the world,” he said. “I just ground it out today. It wasn’t the best I had but I got it done when I wasn’t quite on.”

Kevin Chappell, who is yet to win on the PGA Tour, was just one stroke back in second after a bogey at the last ultimately cost him the chance of glory.

Sweden’s Henrik Stenson and American Troy Merritt were a further stroke back on -14 while Kiradech Aphibarnrat produced a scintillating seven-under-par 65 to take a three-way share of sixth.

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy gave himself a confidence boost on the final day after also posting a round of 65 to finish in joint-27th.

Tagged Arnold Palmer Invitational, Jason Day