ORLANDO, Fla. — Daniel Berger surged to the early lead Thursday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, firing a bogey-free 9-under 63 in the opening round at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
The 32-year-old American rolled in nine birdies during a flawless round, taking advantage of calm morning conditions to build a three-shot lead after Day 1 of the PGA Tour’s signature event.
Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Åberg are tied for second at 6-under 66, keeping Berger within striking distance heading into Friday’s second round.
Berger, a four-time PGA Tour winner seeking his first victory in five years, caught fire on the back nine with six birdies to separate from the field at the challenging Bay Hill layout.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler opened with a 2-under 70, leaving him seven shots behind the leader, while several top players — including Rory McIlroy — face work to climb the leaderboard over the final three rounds.
The $20-million signature event continues Friday with Round 2 at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
