Daniel Berger produced another composed performance to extend his lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, while Rory McIlroy surged into contention with a strong finish to his second round at Bay Hill. Berger now holds a five-shot advantage heading into the weekend in Orlando.
Berger maintains control at Bay Hill
Berger followed his brilliant opening round of 63 with a steady two-under-par 68 to move to 13 under overall. The American looked comfortable throughout the day and avoided mistakes on the back nine, picking up three birdies to strengthen his grip on the tournament.
The 32-year-old has not won on the PGA Tour since 2021, but his confident play has put him firmly on course for the title and the £3m winner’s prize. Berger said the course felt slightly tougher during the second round but believes his game is in a strong place heading into the final two rounds.
Akshay Bhatia sits in second place on eight under after carding a superb 66, the lowest round of the day. A group including Sahith Theegala, Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Aberg remain within striking distance on seven under, while Ricky Fowler is just one shot further back.
McIlroy charges up leaderboard
Rory McIlroy produced one of the most impressive stretches of the day as he birdied four of his first seven holes on the back nine to finish his round with a 68. The Northern Irishman moved to four under and into a share of ninth place.
McIlroy said he was pleased with how he managed the course, particularly during the closing stretch when he began to build momentum. His controlled approach helped him recover ground after a slower start to the tournament.
Fleetwood makes cut as Scheffler slips
World number one Scottie Scheffler ended his round with a bogey on the 18th to finish three under after a 71. Meanwhile, England’s Tommy Fleetwood recovered from a difficult opening round to make the cut.
Fleetwood was four over after the first day but produced a solid 69 that included three birdies on the back nine, leaving him at one over overall and safely through to the weekend rounds.
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