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.

The course played about two strokes easier for the players with the later tee times, aiding Wyndham Clark's round that ended with a 5-under 67 and a two-shot lead.

Wyndham Clark birdied three of his last six holes to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Thursday in Orlando, Fla.

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

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 Thursday in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.