Daniel Berger Maintains Lead as Rain Softens Bay Hill

Berger holds two-shot lead as third round of Arnold Palmer Invitational is suspended due to darkness

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Daniel Berger maintained his lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida, despite a rain delay that took some of the bite out of the challenging Bay Hill course. Berger was 13-under par when play was suspended due to darkness, holding a two-shot lead over Akshay Bhatia. Several other top players, including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, struggled with the conditions, with McIlroy withdrawing due to a back injury.

Why it matters

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the PGA Tour's marquee events, and Berger's performance has put him in position to claim a prestigious victory. The rain delay and softening of the course have made the tournament more wide open, setting up an exciting final round on Sunday.

The details

Berger was 13-under par and held a two-shot lead when play was suspended due to darkness on Saturday. He was set to face a 35-foot eagle putt on the par-5 16th hole when play resumes on Sunday morning. Akshay Bhatia was 11-under and within two shots of the lead. Several other top players, including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, struggled with the conditions, with McIlroy withdrawing due to a back injury.

  • The third round was suspended due to darkness on Saturday evening.
  • Berger will return on Sunday morning to face a 35-foot eagle putt on the par-5 16th hole.

The players

Daniel Berger

The current leader of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, holding a two-shot lead at 13-under par when play was suspended.

Akshay Bhatia

A young American golfer who is two shots behind Berger at 11-under par.

Scottie Scheffler

The world's number one ranked player, who shot a 72 and likely fell out of contention with a double bogey on the 18th hole.

Rory McIlroy

A four-time major champion who withdrew from the tournament due to a back injury.

Cameron Young

An American golfer who shot a 67 and posted a 9-under 207 total, putting him in contention.

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What they’re saying

“It's an uncomfortable golf course. And it's not going to get any easier.”

— Akshay Bhatia

“Anything can happen. I don't know what Daniel is going to do, I don't know where I'm going to finish the day. But any time you get a golf course this difficult, and this many good players within a couple shots of each other … any one of them could take a really difficult golf course and make it look easy.”

— Cameron Young

What’s next

Berger will return on Sunday morning to complete the third round, facing a 35-foot eagle putt on the par-5 16th hole. The final round will then be played later on Sunday.

The takeaway

The rain delay has opened up the tournament, with several top players within striking distance of Berger's lead. The final round on Sunday promises to be an exciting conclusion to the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational.