Bridgeman ekes ahead at PGA's Valspar Championship

"That's what everyone here wants to do, we want to be in the last group on Saturday and Sunday," Bridgeman said.

"Yeah, it's kind of expectations are being in that group and finally I'm there, so hopefully, we'll see how I handle tomorrow, but today I felt super comfortable."

The highlight of Bridgeman's round on Friday was an eagle at the par-5 11th hole at the Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course, where he reached the green in two and sank a 10-foot putt.

Bridgeman reached seven under with a birdie at No.14 but bogeyed his final hole, shrinking his cushion.

Hovland, 27, had missed three straight cuts before this week but found better results Friday, when he birdied five holes with a single bogey.

"I still don't exactly know where the ball's going to start and curve and all that stuff," Hovland said.

"But if you're hitting solid shots, that's a good start, especially out here when the wind is starting to blow. ... Still doesn't feel quite that great, but at least it's improvement."

The six-time PGA Tour champion is trying to get his game back on track, as is another notable player in the Valspar field, Xander Schauffele.

The world No.3 shot a 68 to move into a tie for fifth at four under with Ireland's Shane Lowry (67), Kevin Velo (70) and Germany's Jeremy Paul (69).

Schauffele made his 60th consecutive cut one week after saying his game felt "pretty gross" at The Players Championship.

Davis Riley (70), Ricky Castillo (72), Harry Hall of England (70), Emiliano Grillo of Argentina (68) and Victor Perez of France (70) are tied at three under.

Aaron Baddeley (72-70) is the leading Australian at even par while Adam Scott (74-70) is two over.

The cut line was at two over par. Notable names who missed the weekend include Australian Cam Davis, Zach Johnson, Webb Simpson and two-time Valspar winner Sam Burns, all of whom were three over.