Rory McIlroy rallied in the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational as Daniel Berger extended his lead. Berger moved to 13 under after shooting a 68.
Berger Leads After Second Round
Daniel Berger extended his lead to five shots. The American followed up his opening nine-under-par 63 by shooting a 68. That first round was one short of the Bay Hill course record.
Akshay Bhatia is in second on eight under after carding a 66, the lowest round of the day in Orlando. Berger has not won on the PGA Tour since 2021.
Berger said he felt like he played better in the second round, noting that the course was a little tougher. He added that he is looking forward to the challenge of the next couple of days.
McIlroy’s Improved Performance
Northern Irishman McIlroy went round in 68 to move to four under and a share of ninth place. McIlroy birdied four of the first seven holes on the back nine.
McIlroy said he played the last 10 holes really, really well. “Overall I am really pleased. I played a very sort of controlled, patient round of golf, which you need to do around here.”
Other Notable Performances
Americans Sahith Theegala and Collin Morikawa and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg are tied for third on seven under. American Ricky Fowler is one shot further back.
American world number one Scottie Scheffler bogeyed the 18th in a round of 71 that left him three under. England’s Tommy Fleetwood shot three birdies on the back nine in a second-round 69 to make the cut on one over.
Daniel Berger was part of the US team which won the 2021 Ryder Cup and has won four PGA Tour titles. Berger put himself on course for the £3m top prize thanks to a clean run on the back nine which included three birdies.