Rory McIlory is aware that the Masters is approaching, and this will mean some modifications and adequate preparations before the tournament, which is probably the most important for him. We are a bit tired of the constant mention of the Northern Irishman year after year,

But there was likely some regret for McIlroy that he couldn't use his favourite club, which he admitted is now likely deemed to be 'illegal' for use on the PGA Tour. In a recent Q&A session, McIlroy named the TaylorMade M2 driver as the best he's used during his career after getting a handle on it around eight years ago.

Henley had only words of praise for his opponent after the magnificent win, but he could not hide his delight with a superb two-under-par round, closing on 11-under par, with Morikawa one shot behind.

McIlroy, the world number three, used new equipment – in drivers and fairway woods – at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando, Florida, but spent too much time playing from the rough in a tournament won by Russell Henley, who closed with a 70 for 277 to win by a stroke from overnight leader Collin Morikawa.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry didn't have their best stuff, but they can head for The Players and the countdown to the Masters with high hopes after the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Lowry struggled from the tee as he searches for a new driver but he couldn’t covert the 36-hole lead into victory for the second year running.

Russell Henley chips in for an eagle with two holes to play to pip Collin Morikawa to the biggest title of his career at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.