Arnold Palmer Invitational: Daniel Berger leads by five as Rory McIlroy rallies in second round

“I played the last 10 holes really well,” said McIlroy, who birdied four of the first seven holes on the back nine.

“Overall I’m really pleased. I played a pretty controlled, patient round of golf and that’s what you need to do here.”

The most recent of Berger’s four PGA Tour titles came in 2021.

American world number one Scottie Scheffler was three points behind in the 18th place in the round of 71.

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, who was four points behind in the first round, managed to make the cut with three birdies on the back nine for 69 in the second round.