Australia's John Senden shot a scorching seven-under 63 to shoot up the leaderboard in pursuit of Rory McIlroy after Friday's second round of the PGA tournament in Florida.
McIlroy finished with a flourish to hold a one-stroke lead over Brendon de Jonge having fired a four-under par 66 to leave him 11-under for the $US6 million tournament, while world No.1 Tiger Woods barely made the cut.
"I had to stay patient. I didn't get off to the best start," McIlroy said.
"Got it back to even par at the turn and played really well coming in. Once I found my rhythm and got into it I played really nicely and putted very well."
Zimbabwe's De Jonge fired a 64 but a closing bogey kept him from a share of the lead.
American Russell Henley was third on 132 with England's Lee Westwood and Scotsman Russell Knox, who also shot seven-under, another shot back.
Senden had a terrific day, potting seven birdies in a bogey-free round to be six shots back from McIlroy on five-under in a share of ninth spot.
Adam Scott is the next best-placed Australian on three-under after shooting a one-under 69.
Woods, a 14-time major champion, fired a 69 to stand on par 140, making the cut on the number after snapping a streak of five rounds at par or worse at PGA National.
"It was a grind, no doubt about that," Woods said. "I didn't hit it very good. It was just one of those days but I fought through it.
"I would like to hit it better than I have been. I didn't hit it good today. But I fought out a number, which is always a good thing.
"Maybe I can go post a number tomorrow."
Reigning British Open champion Phil Mickelson fired a 71 to stand on 141, putting the US left-hander just the wrong side of the line.
