Clark grabs first round lead at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Wyndham Clark conjured two birdies in his final three holes to open up a two-shot lead after the opening round of the PGA Tour's Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida on Thursday.

- 

World number seven Clark, the 2023 US Open champion, fired a five-under-par 67 to edge clear of the field at Bay Hill on a day when gusty winds made for challenging conditions.

The 31-year-old Clark separated himself from the pack after rolling in an 18-foot birdie putt on the par-five 16th, before a brilliant second shot on the 18th left him with a tap-in for birdie.

It marked an encouraging opening round for Clark, who finished a runner-up to Scottie Scheffler at last year's tournament.

"It's nice to put some good numbers on this golf course and if anything it's really good momentum for the rest of the week," Clark said.