ORLANDO, Fla. — Sam Saunders played a lot at Bay Hill growing up as the grandson of tournament host Arnold Palmer.

After struggling with his game last season, he really felt at home Friday, shooting 71 to check in at 4-under par and tied for 16th at the API.

“Today I was as comfortable or more comfortable than I’ve ever felt at this stage in this arena,” Saunders said. “I played the golf course today more like I play it on a week-in/week-out basis at home. I had fun out there and hit some good shots.”

Saunders is coming off a poor 2013. He lost his Tour card and has been trying to get his game in shape on the Web.com Tour.

“I’ll tell you what, I’m very appreciative to have a place and it’s a great tour,” he said.

The fact that Palmer, 84, has been following Saunders in his golf cart - and drawing the interest of the gallery - didn’t bother the Orlando-born 26-year-old.

“No, he’s wonderful. He really is so conscious about not being distracting to me,” Saunders said. “And he really tries to stay a good distance back. I saw him out there (Thursday); I didn’t see him today. And yesterday I barely noticed he was there. There wasn’t any noise.”

Calling Dr. Bob

Keegan Bradley turned in the best round of the day and credited his sports psychologist, Dr. Bob Rotella, and a friend with helping him shoot 67 on Friday. He’s still eight shots behind runaway leader Adam Scott, but he’s thrilled with his improved play.

“I played this exact same (Thursday), just no putts,” said Bradley, who posted a 71 in the first round. “Went to talk to Dr. Bob last night and my buddy, John, and just talked about getting less into making putts and more into just having fun and looking forward to making them.”

Tap-ins

Playing in his first PGA Tour event, Zach Olsen, 19, made the cut after shooting 71 in the second round. Olsen, a freshman on the Oklahoma State golf team, is playing on the automatic invitation that Palmer gives to the reigning Southern Amateur champion.