A day after blustery conditions produced the highest first-round scoring average (74.624) since 2011, the wind relented and the temperature rose into the mid-70s to present a course ripe for

Rory McIlroy hits the weekend still in the hunt for Arnold Palmer Invitational glory – with leader and long-time friend Shane Lowry admitting drawing personal motivation from his playing partner.

Lowry began the day with a two-shot advantage, but struggled to an error-strewn 76 at Bay Hill which left him at four under par.