Jason Day is reuniting with Colin Swatton, his former coach, caddie, and mentor, in what feels like a return to familiar ground. Significantly, the two first crossed paths when Day was a troubled 12-year-old at the Kooralbyn International School in Australia. From there, their bond has only deepened. “He knows my game better than anyone,” Day shared on Friday at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational. “We had a bit of a break, but now we’re back together, and I’m excited to see how my game progresses.”

The early signs are promising. After battling tough winds to shoot 76 in the first round, Day bounced back with an incredible 64 on Friday. His game featured seven birdies and an eagle — his career-low round at Bay Hill. Sitting T-5, Day is just four strokes behind the 36-hole leader, Shane Lowry. He looks to build momentum heading into the weekend.

On the other hand, the 8X PGA Tour Champion winner, Billy Horschel, did not have a great week at Bay Hill. He faced challenges off the tee on Thursday, which led to a disappointing result. He finished with scores of 79-74 and missed the cut, marking his third missed cut in his last four appearances at Bay Hill. This came after making the cut in each of his first eight starts at the course.

Despite that, he was amazed at Jason Day’s performance. He retweeted Jason Day’s putting video posted by the official X account of the PGA Tour and shared his emotions. “One of the best rounds I’ve seen in a long time! Played beautifully! @JDayGolf,” he wrote in the caption. Sometimes golf takes your breath away, doesn’t it?

Day’s having a good time this season. He finished T3 at the American Express Golf tournament, showing his class. The player only managed T13 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which shows inconsistency in his game. Yet, Jason Day was not the only one who outdid himself at Bay Hill.

In the meantime, the man himself, Shane Lowry, also did an outstanding job.

Shane Lowry takes the lead on Friday

Shane Lowry thrives on the challenge of a tough course, and Bay Hill Club & Lodge has proven to be the perfect test for him. In slightly calmer conditions on Friday, he carded six birdies for a 5-under 67. Moreover, it gave him a two-shot lead heading into the weekend at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard.

The weather was more forgiving compared to Thursday’s chill, with minimal wind. Despite this, Bay Hill proved challenging, as evidenced by Wyndham Clark, Scottie Scheffler, and Xander Schauffele facing difficulties at various times.

Lowry, playing alongside his close friend Rory McIlroy. And yes, he drained a 35-foot birdie putt on the 13th and capped his round with an 18-footer to extend his lead over Clark. Corey Conners (70) and Collin Morikawa (68) sit three shots back, while McIlroy (70) and Jason Day, who shot a 64 after reuniting with coach Colin Swatton, are also in contention.

“I think my iron play is solid, and I know when to play it safe,” Lowry said, reflecting on his success. “I love the grind of a tough course. Pars are good here. On most weeks, level par can feel like a struggle, but at Bay Hill, you’re doing just fine. One good run and you’re right in the mix.”

At 8-under 136, Lowry is the only player to break 70 in both rounds, showing just how well he’s handling the pressure. With the weekend ahead, he’s in a strong position to continue his charge. Stay tuned as Lowry looks to capitalize on his lead and see if the competition can catch up.