He isn't the only major champion to be lurking in the shadows, however. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler looks sharper by the round and signed for a 71 to put him alongside his Ryder Cup teammates Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay.

It’s a hard course in normal conditions. Today was brutal,” said Eric Cole, who grew up playing golf course at Bay Hill.

In the opening round of the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, Wyndham Clark battled windy conditions to card a 5-under 67, good enough for a two-stroke lead over the field heading into Friday.