ORLANDO (SNN-TV) – Play resumed today at Bay Hill in Orlando, as round two of the Arnold Palmer Invitational got underway, and play ended today with a new man atop the leaderboard.
Norway’s Viktor Hovland had the lowest round of the day with a 6-under 66 and took the lead from PGA Tour star, Rory McIlroy.
Arnold Palmer Invitational Leaderboard
Hovland played this morning and set the target on a warm day with increasing wind, making seven birdies and a few key pars saves late in the second round. He posted a 9-under 135.
Hovland had no concerns with the putter today, as he was particularly good on the back nine when he ran in a 25-foot birdie putt on the 15th, two-putted for birdie on the 16th and then smashed a 5-iron from 230 yards to 10 feet on the par-3 17th for a third straight birdie.
“I just really saw the lines really well and able to start it on line. Sometimes when you see a couple go in early, it’s easy to keep that feel going throughout the day.”
As for McIlroy, his putter let him down on greens this afternoon. Tied for the lead, he missed a 4-foot par putt, putts from 8 feet on the next two holes for birdie and par, and finished off his 72 by missing a good birdie chance from 15 feet. The pace of play and putting mishaps shaped his day, according to McIlroy.
“Its always going to be slow whenever the greens get this tricky and this firm and this fast. That’s what it’s about. Just not getting frustrated over the weekend, having as much patience as possible. Again, just trying to make pars and pick off a birdie here and there, that’s the game plan.”
McIlroy, who had 30 total putts, response to being told that Hovland needed only 23 putts, was simply, “See how he does tomorrow.” And that we shall, as round three play resumes tomorrow morning at 7.
