Arnold Palmer Invitational Round 2: McIlroy Finds Control As Berger Extends Lead

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Daniel Berger tightened control of the Arnold Palmer Invitational leaderboard after another strong round, while Rory McIlroy staged a climb that kept hopes alive. Berger reached 13-under at the halfway mark, building a five-shot cushion, yet several leading names, including McIlroy, stayed within striking range heading into the weekend.

Berger added a four-under 68 to the opening-round 63, producing five birdies against a single bogey on Friday. That display pushed Berger clear of closest rival Akshay Bhatia and established a commanding halfway target. World number one Scottie Scheffler closed on three-under after a 71 that ended with a bogey at the 18th.

McIlroy carded a 68 as well, moving to four-under and into a share of ninth place. The Northern Irishman caught fire on the back nine, picking up four birdies over the first seven holes there. That surge restored confidence after early struggles and brought McIlroy back into realistic contention.

McIlroy explained how a key moment on the eighth hole steadied the round and protected rhythm. "Very pleased," McIlroy said. "Hit it in the water on the eighth, but made a good putt for bogey there. I really felt like that kept any momentum that I had for the round going. I played the last 10 holes really, really well. Overall, really, really pleased. A very controlled, patient round of golf, which you need to do around herea good day's work."

Ludvig Aberg briefly slipped during the second round but recovered to sign for a 71, reaching seven-under. Aberg now shares third place with Sahith Theegala and Collin Morikawa. Rickie Fowler sits one stroke further back on six-under, while Xander Schauffele and Russell Henley hold seven-under, one ahead of McIlroy.

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Berger assessed the conditions as tougher during the second round, despite again beating par. "I actually feel like I played better [on Friday]the course was a little tougher," Berger said. "I'm looking forward to the next couple of days and seeing the challenge they bring."

The Arnold Palmer Invitational leaderboard now shows Berger with a strong buffer, followed by Bhatia and a tight group including Aberg, Theegala, Morikawa and Fowler. With McIlroy and Scheffler still within reach, the final two rounds promise a demanding test as all chase Berger’s halfway standard.