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Kurt Kitayama recorded his first-ever PGA Tour victory with a triumph at the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational in Bay Hill. He beat Rory McIlroy and Harry English by a a single stroke difference.
Post the event, McIlroy was the first to praise Kitayama for his incredible feat. The PGA Tour posted a video on Twitter where McIlroy could be seen reaching out to Kitayama to congratulate him.
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The video received mixed responses on Golf Twitter. Here's a look at some of the reactions:
"You can't coach that. Rory is 'that guy.'"
"Kurt Kitayama is one of the most talented golfers in the world and Rory McIlroy is one of the best players in the world. Good on them for congratulating each other! "
"I'm about to get behind you! And Kurt turns really fast."
"Smacking butts like he owns the place."
"Rory’s reaction to his Kurt’s missed putt on 18 was great, too. Class."
"Even when Rory doesn't win they make it all about Rory !!!"
"Loved the drama at API today. All of it would have been missed if the LIV shotgun start were used."
"We like Rory. There will never be another Arnold Palmer, but Rory has The King's gift!"
"So St Rory was the only golfer to congratulate Kirk"
"Rory went n gave him a congrats n whispered in his ear, please don't leave us for LIV."
"Great win, but Rory say he would not have hit the shot he did on 14 if he knew he had a one stroke lead. How in the heck does he not know? Or better yet his caddie?"
"Rory is such a great human and professional. That’s why he’s my favourite."
"Almost didn't get his attention. Great ending to a tough tournament."
"Is Rory the greatest human to ever play pro golf?"
"Hard not to like Rory! fantastic golfer and a good dude. So excited for Augusta."
"You know you have big quads when you can’t feel a booty slap."
"Rory is a class act! Genuine and true."
"Had to make sure the camera was there. Way to interfere with his moment."
"Why Rory? Kitayama won and should be credited for his performance."
"A couple of Great winning stories on the PGA Tour the past two weekends… Chris Kirk wins again after 8 yrs and a bout w alcoholism.. and now Kurt Kitayama after earning his way thru 11 different tours.. Wow."
"Funny thing is he's never been recorded congratulating someone off camera.."
"What is it with the attracting the guys attention by hitting him on the backside?? In any other situation, this would be inappropriate. I feel like it’s inappropriate here too. Say hello - don’t touch."
"People don't understand how much of a role Rory plays in this sport. Class, honor, respect. He's the face of the PGA Tour now."
Arnold Palmer Invitational leaderboard
Here's the leaderboard for the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational:
1 - Kurt Kitayama
T2 - Harris English
T2 - Rory McIlroy
T4 - Patrick Cantlay
T4 - Tyrrell Hatton
T4 - Scottie Scheffler
T4 - Jordan Spieth
T8 - Trey Mullinax
T8 -Davis Riley
T10 - Keegan Bradley
T10 - Jason Day
T10 - Viktor Hovland
T10 - Cameron Young
