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.

Wyndham Clark handled a stressful day at Bay Hill by eliminating as much trouble as possible. Two late birdies as the wind finally waned carried him to a 5-under 67 and a two-shot lead.

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