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Morgan Hoffmann extends lead with 9 birdies in 7-under 65 at Bay Hill

Associated Press
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Matt Every watches his putt on the 18th green during the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament in Orlando, Fla., Friday, March 20, 2015.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) (The Associated Press)

Ernie Els, of South Africa, tips his hat to the crowd,while walking up to the 18th green, during the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament in Orlando, Fla., Friday, March 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) (The Associated Press)

Morgan Hoffmann had his first lead on the PGA Tour in 67 tournaments at Bay Hill. Then he played Friday like he wanted to keep it.

Hoffman made nine birdies for a 7-under 65 and finished the second round with a three-shot lead over defending champion Matt Every in the Arnold Palmer Invitational. With the greens tougher in the afternoon, it was unlikely Hoffman would be caught.

Rory McIlroy also got his game on track with a 66, his first sub-70 round in his third PGA Tour start this year. He was five behind.

Hoffmann was at 13-under 131, one short of the 36-hole record last matched a year ago by Adam Scott.

Scott was among those playing in the afternoon.