3 minute read

Former world No.1 Jason Day has had no luck at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, with his ball getting stuck up a tree in a bird's nest.

Jason Day found a birdie he'd rather not have during a cruel round that left Australia's former world No.1 playing catch-up at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Starting on the 10th tee, Day needed binoculars to locate his ball in a bird's nest up a tree en route to a double-bogey seven on the par-5 16th, usually the easiest hole at Bay Hill.

He also chalked up a double-bogey six on the par-4 18th after his approach shot was buried in a bunker, barely playable, and he knifed the ensuing sand shot through the green.

Day rebounded on his back nine, ultimately collecting five birdies in his even-par 72 to remain at two under for the tournament and seven shots adrift of Canadian halfway leader Corey Conners.

The former US PGA champion could only see the funny side of the bizarre situation on the 16th, when his caddy found some binoculars to end a frantic search for his ball.

"I don't know where he got the binoculars from," Day said.

"But it was actually (taking) forever ... we zoomed in on it and I've got the ball - well I don't have the ball - but like I could see the Tour B XS on the logo on the side and I'm like, 'That's it, that's perfect'.

"So a little unfortunate that it got stuck up. There's nothing for it to hold up, other than a nest.

"It was literally in a nest, so I think the mama birdie's going to come back and find another egg there.

"So it's unfortunate but I'm glad we found it in the end."

Day fought back to not only make the cut but also remain in the top 21 entering the third round.