Matt’s 67 shares the lead

MATT Fitzpatrick claimed a share of the lead in the Arnold Palmer Invitational as t he pre-tournament favourites Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson both struggled t o make an impression.

Fitzpatrick carded a flawless 67 at Bay Hill to join Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo at the top of the leaderboard, with Paul Casey a shot behind alongside Lucas Glover and Charley Hoffman.

In contrast, McIlroy’s 74 included four bogeys and a double bogey, while Stenson, who has finished in the top 15 in his last five appearances in the event, double-bogeyed the 18th in a 75 matched by Blayne Barber.

The American was a last-minute replacement for Danny Willett after the Masters champ withdrew due to illness.

Fitzpatrick eclipsed Nick Faldo’s record as t he youngest Englishman to win three times on the E u r o p e a n To u r w i t h victory, and the first prize of more than £1 million, in t h e D P Wo r l d To u r Championship in November, two years to the day after gaining his card via the qualifying school.

The 22-year-old from Sheffield has taken advice from McIlroy on buying property in Florida as he plans to gain his PGA Tour card, a task which would be completed with a win at Bay Hill.

Starting from the 10th, Fitzpatrick followed six straight pars with birdies on the 16th and 18th to reach the turn in 34, before picking up further shots on the first, third and sixth.

Casey cancelled out two early birdies with a double bogey but recovered to finish with a 68.

Matt Fitzpatrick