Golf Fans Furious as NBC Cuts to Commercial During Henley's Winning Moment at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Golf fans expressed frustration when NBC Sports missed most of Russell Henley's tournament-winning chip-in eagle at the Arnold Palmer Invitational's 16th hole due to a poorly-timed commercial break.
The crucial moment occurred as Henley, trailing Collin Morikawa by one shot, chipped in for eagle from the right side of the green. The shot created a dramatic two-shot swing, putting Henley one stroke ahead. However, viewers only caught the ball rolling into the cup as broadcast coverage returned from a Rolex advertisement.
Many viewers voiced their disappointment on social media, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who said: "Why is golf just the worst at TV? Are you kidding me? What's the point of watching golf if you miss the most important shot of the whole tournament?"
Baseball players lined up on field
The timing was particularly ironic as the PGA Tour had announced earlier that week that fans would notice "fewer commercials" during the tournament broadcast.
Henley went on to secure the biggest win of his career, earning a $4 million first-place check and moving to 7th in the world rankings. After the tournament, he described the chip-in as "surreal," saying: "Sometimes you get a good break like that and it hits the pin and goes in."
Front perspective of Fort Lauderdale oceanfront
This victory at Bay Hill marks Henley's most significant professional achievement to date, with the American closing out the win with two consecutive pars after his memorable eagle on the 16th hole.