Change of itinerary pays off for Hoffman

By The Associated Press

Charley Hoffman wasn’t expecting to be at Bay Hill until he didn’t qualify for a World Golf ChampionshipsMatch Play next week in Austin, Texas.

The change in plans has worked out nicely so far.

In only his fourth appearance in the Arnold Palmer Invitational over the past decade, Hoffman made seven birdies in slightly warmer conditions Friday in Orlando, Fla., for a 6-under 66 that gave him a one-shot lead over Emiliano Grillo of Argentina.

Grillo made two eagles on his opening nine, holing a 35-yard bunker shot on the par-5 12th and chipping in from just off the green on the par-5 16th. He made birdies on the par 5s on the front nine that carried him to a 68.

Matt Fitzpatrick of England had four birdies on the back nine for a 69 and was two shots behind.

Hoffman was at 10-under 134.

Sam Saunders, 29, grandson of Palmer, had three consecutive bogeys around the turn and never caught up. He wound up with another 74 and missed the cut by one shot in the first Arnold Palmer Invitational since the death of the beloved tournament host in September.

“I don’t know, I’ve got a monkey on my back there where I just always seem to work my way toward that cut number and think about it too much,” Saunders said. “It’s all part of the learning experience, and just got to get better.”

The cut was 3-over 147. One player who missed the cut at least provided some entertainment. Reigning British Open champion Henrik Stenson hit three balls out of the water, including two on one hole. His blast from the pond short of the 11th green barely made it out and rolled down the slope, only to be caught by a tuft of grass. His next chip rolled back down the slope and into the water, leading to a triple bogey. He also played out of the water on the 16th. Stenson shot 74.

Other tournament

Tucson Conquistadores Classic: Fred Couples shot an 8-under 65 in Arizona, leaving playing partner Steve Stricker two strokes back in his PGA Tour Champions debut.