Particle.news
Download on the App Store
19 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Wyndham Clark Leads Arnold Palmer Invitational After Grueling First Round

Bay Hill's challenging conditions test top golfers, with only 14 players finishing under par on Thursday.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 06: Aldrich Potgieter of South Africa plays his tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2025 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 06, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.
Keegan Bradley hits out of a greenside bunker on the seventh hole during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2025 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 06, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 06: Jackson Koivun of The United States plays his second shot on the first hole during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2025 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 06, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits driver off the 16th tee during the pro-am, prior to the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2025 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 05, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

Overview

  • Wyndham Clark carded a 5-under 67 to secure a two-shot lead after the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
  • Bay Hill's course conditions, including gusty winds, thick rough, and crusty greens, resulted in a high scoring average of 74.6, the highest for a first round since 2011.
  • Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy, and Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley remain in contention despite the tough setup.
  • Xander Schauffele, returning from a rib injury, struggled with a 5-over 77, putting his 57-tournament cut streak at risk ahead of Friday's round.
  • Nineteen-year-old Jackson Koivun impressed with an even-par 72, positioning himself well to potentially earn a PGA Tour University Accelerated program point by making the cut.