Toms finding form in advance of Masters?

ORLANDO, Fla. -- David Toms limped his way up the 18th at Bay Hill, a weigh station on a trip to Augusta National where he tied for 14th last year. "I got my ankle taped and patches on my back," said Toms with a smile. "I suppose I'm in about as good shape as any 44-year-old."

The winner of the PGA Championship a decade ago, the last time it was at Atlanta Athletic Club, the site of this year's championship, Toms has had some solid rounds but hasn't strung four together yet, outside of his T5 in the Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun. He was in position in the Transitions Championship until a final round 74 dropped him back in the pack. "I keep showing up for work," said Toms. "Just keep grinding."

After an opening round 74 in the difficult winds of Thursday afternoon when a lot of players were having trouble breaking 80, Toms has put together rounds of 67-69 with just two bogeys, both on the par-three 14th in the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Five shots behind Martin Laird and three behind Spencer Levin, Toms still only has four players ahead of him. "I think it's going to be breezy tomorrow, so probably a little tougher to make birdies," he said. "If you do make them, you probably pick up a shot or two on the field. You know, I never have played really well here, probably just because it's tough for me to get close to some of these pins because I'm not a high-spin player. Maybe tomorrow I can improve on that."

-- Jim Moriarty