Kurt Kitayama edges out Rory McIlroy to win Arnold Palmer Invitational

WINNER: Kurt Kitayama held his nerve to claim his first PGA Tour title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Pic: John Raoux/AP

Kurt Kitayama endured an eventful final round as he edged out Rory McIlroy to claim his first PGA Tour title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The 30-year-old American carded a triple-bogey seven at the ninth at Bay Hill, Orlando as he attempted to defend a single-shot overnight lead, but he gathered himself to come home in 35 for a second successive 72, which got him across the line at nine under par.