Golf: Scheffler, Lowry rally to share lead at Bay Hill

ORLANDO, FLA. » Scottie Scheffler was six shots behind, losing ground and nearly losing his mind on another tough day at Bay Hill. What saved him was his putter — yes, his putter — that allowed him to end Saturday with a share of the lead with Shane Lowry.

Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world, one-putted his final seven greens, four of them for birdie, for a 2-under 70. Lowry also bounced back with two late birdies, one from just outside 30 feet on the par-3 17th, for a 70.

They were at 9-under 207, one shot ahead of U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, and they all owe a small debt of gratitude to Will Zalatoris.

Zalatoris had a five-shot lead over the field at one point, only to make two double bogeys over the final five holes that allowed everyone to catch up, and others — Rory McIlroy, for one — to stay alive.

McIlroy helped himself immensely by taking advantage of hot weather, a strong breeze and no shortage of talent by becoming the first player to drive the par-4 10th hole. The severe dogleg right measures 401 yards. McIlroy’s drive went 365 yards. It was the first of six birdies on the back nine for a 30 that gave him a 68 and left him only four back.

HONG KONG » First-round co-leader Abraham Ancer birdied five of his final eight holes Saturday for an 8-under 62 and a five-stroke lead after two rounds of the inaugural LIV Golf tournament in Hong Kong.

SANYA, CHINA » Lydia Ko and Bailey Tardy each shot 6-under 66s on Saturday and joined Sarah Schmelzel, who finished with a 69, to top the leaderboard after the third round of the Blue Bay LPGA on China’s southern island of Hainan.