March 11, 2019

Molinari wins Bay Hill

British Open champion Francesco Molinari rolled in a 45-foot birdie putt on the final hole at Bay Hill that capped off an 8-under 64, taking him from five shots behind to a two-shot victory Sunday in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

''To do it here at Arnie's place, knowing my wife and kids are watching from home, it's very special,'' Molinari said.

''It's a pretty iconic putt,'' he said. ''I'm pretty sure I'm the first guy to make it with the flag in, though, so that's the real difference.''

The new Rules of Golf allow the flag to be left in for putts in the green, and most players leave it there on long putts.

Molinari has four victories worldwide in his last 17 starts over the last nine months.

Jason Day, the last player to win at Bay Hill before Palmer died in 2016, withdrew after six holes on Friday because of a back injury. Day was coming off a three-week break.