Rory McIlroy Shoots Career-Low 61 to Take Three-Shot Lead at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Rory McIlroy produced the round of his life today at Bay Hill Club & Lodge, firing a career-low 11-under-par 61 to seize a commanding three-shot lead after the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The Northern Irish star's bogey-free masterpiece included 11 birdies and an eagle on the par-5 16th hole, breaking the previous course record of 62 and putting him in prime position to end his victory drought that stretches back to May 2023.

McIlroy's spectacular round began quietly with routine pars on the opening two holes before he caught fire with birdies on four of the next five holes. The four-time major champion was particularly impressive with his iron play, consistently leaving himself with makeable birdie putts and converting them with the kind of putting stroke that has been inconsistent throughout much of his recent career. "I felt like I was in complete control of every aspect of my game today," McIlroy said after his round. "When you're hitting it close and the putts are dropping, golf becomes a lot of fun."

The highlight of McIlroy's round came at the iconic 16th hole, where he launched a 5-iron from 221 yards to within eight feet of the pin before rolling in the eagle putt to the delight of the packed galleries following his group. The eagle capped off a back-nine charge that saw him play his final nine holes in 7-under-par, including consecutive birdies on holes 13, 14, and 15 that sent the Bay Hill crowd into raptures. His driving was particularly impressive, finding 13 of 14 fairways while averaging over 310 yards per drive.

The performance moves McIlroy to 13-under-par for the tournament, three shots clear of defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who shot a solid 67 to remain in contention at 10-under. Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau are tied for third at 9-under, while Tiger Woods missed the cut after struggling to a second-round 74. McIlroy's position atop the leaderboard represents his best chance to win since his near-miss at the U.S. Open last June, where he finished second to Wyndham Clark.

The 34-year-old from Northern Ireland has been working extensively with putting coach Brad Faxon over the winter months, and the results were evident throughout today's round as he made putts from various distances and angles. His confidence with the flat stick appeared to unlock the rest of his game, as he played with the kind of aggressive, fearless approach that characterized his peak years from 2011-2014. "Rory looked like the player we all know he can be," said playing partner Jordan Spieth. "When he's putting like that, he's as good as anyone in the world."

With weekend weather forecasts calling for challenging conditions including gusty winds and potential afternoon thunderstorms, McIlroy's substantial lead could prove crucial as he seeks his first PGA Tour victory in nearly three years. The Arnold Palmer Invitational has historically been one of McIlroy's strongest events, with two previous victories at Bay Hill in 2018 and 2020, and his course knowledge could provide an additional advantage as conditions become more difficult. Saturday's third round will begin with McIlroy in the final group alongside Scheffler, setting up what promises to be an compelling battle between two of golf's biggest stars as they chase Arnold Palmer's coveted trophy.