Fred Couples shares lead at Arnold Palmer Invitational, while Daly misses pro-am

Fred Couples shot a 5-under-par 65 at the Bay Hill Club yesterday to share the first round lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational with J.J. Henry. Tiger Woods struggled to an even-par 70 but had nothing but compliments for Couples, who has struggled recently with back problems …

“It’s good to see Freddie up there,” Woods told reporters. “He might have got a little shot of confidence now that he’s [Presidents Cup] captain and that kind of freed things up. It’s good to see him up there playing.”

Meanwhile, John Daly didn’t show up to the event’s pro-am Wednesday, a day after swing coach Butch Harmon ended his short-lived professional relationship with the golfer. Daly told tournament officials there was a mix-up over his tee time …

At TravelGolf.com, Tim McDonald lists his favorite spring golf road trips.