Six started, now only two remain. And after the final eighteen holes, only one will wear the Green Jacket and raise the trophy of the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational. Scottie Scheffler and Shane Lowry lead the charge at Bay Hill with a combined score of -9, following a day where the course showed its teeth and momentum swings were plenty, just as expected on a perfect moving day.
Bay Hill, results
In Orlando (Florida), the heat dried out the course, making it more unpredictable with bounces and lightning-fast greens, and yesterday the wind did the rest. Scheffler, after eleven holes with four birdies and two bogeys, heated up his putter (which has troubled him in recent times) and with four birdies in the last seven holes managed to finish at 70 (-2), catching Lowry. The Irishman had the same score, with a different distribution, making 4 bogeys and 6 birdies.
The pair maintains a one-shot lead over Wyndham Clark, who only trails the leaders due to a bogey on the eighteenth. The reigning US Open champion struggled on the front nine with two double bogeys, but then stepped up his game with two birdies and an eagle from the 10th to the 12th, posting a score of -1 for a total of -8. Three players are tied for fourth place at -7, two shots behind the leaders: Russell Henley (72), Hideki Matsuyama (72), and Will Zalatoris (71). Zalatoris showcased his talent for 13 holes in the challenging conditions at Bay Hill, leading by five shots over his closest pursuer.
However, Zalatoris stumbled in the latter part of his round, with two double bogeys, a bogey, and a birdie in the final five holes, erasing his lead and even falling two shots behind. Nevertheless, if the American can replicate the level he showed in the front nine for an entire round, it will be tough for anyone to catch him. Seventh place of the day goes to American Harris English at -6, who carded the best round of the day in Florida with his 68.
The same score was recorded by Rory McIlroy, with the Northern Irishman forcefully returning to contention and joining the group at -5, four shots behind the leaders, in eighth place. McIlroy displayed his immense potential on the back nine, closing in 30 shots (after two bogeys before the turn) and starting with a stunning feat. The Team Europe veteran became the first player ever to drive the green at the 10th, sending the ball soaring for approximately 335 meters. He is accompanied by Sam Burns and Max Homa, forming a trio all from the Ryder Cup. With a tight leaderboard and a course that punishes any lapse in concentration, many champions are in contention for a thrilling final round.
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