Rory McIlroy two off the lead at Arnold Palmer Classic

First-round leader Rory McIlroy will begin his third round at the Arnold Palmer Classic Invitational two shots off leader Viktor Hovland in a three-way tie for second place.

McIlroy, who has one victory and four top-10 finishes in his seven previous appearances at this prestigious event, began his week with a seven-under round of 65, but had to settle for a level par round of 72 to sit alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Talon Gooch on seven-under par overall.

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A three-putt at the first saw the four-time major winner begin with a bogey, but starting at the par-5 fourth hole, McIlroy picked up three birdies in five holes to move to a share of the lead on nine-under par.

Right at the flagstick. ⛳️ Near ace for @McIlroyRory. pic.twitter.com/XvMubY7D02

The back nine however wasn't as kind to the 32-year-old who failed to collect a birdie and dropped shots at 15 and 17 to slip back behind Hovland.

The Norwegian's round of 66 included seven birdies and a bogey at the 13th.

A double-bogey at 11 contributed to Graeme McDowell’s 76 and he sits at level par, while Padraig Harrington was on the cut line at +3 following a round of 74 that included a 58-foot birdie at the first and double-bogey at the sixth.

Birdie for breakfast. ☕️@Padraig_H drains it from 58 feet to start the day. pic.twitter.com/jMc99hkzEs

Seamus Power will play no further part in the tournament. A round of 72 was never going to be enough for the Waterford man who opened with an 80 as he finished on +8 overall.