Leishman fights to stay in PGA Palmer mix

Marc Leishman has battled to stay in the mix after two rounds at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida.

The Australian world No.18 hit just 11 of 18 greens in regulation, but managed to negotiate the notoriously difficult thick rough and fast putting surfaces at Bay Hill to sign for a two-under-par 70.

Leishman, the 2017 Bay Hill champion, currently sits seven shots from the clubhouse lead.

In-form Englishman Tommy Fleetwood took advantage of calm morning conditions at Bay Hill, with his 66 elevating him to the top of the leaderboard at nine under.

Fleetwood currently sits three shots ahead of overnight leader Rafa Cabrera-Bello (through four holes), with American Billy Horschel (71) in the clubhouse at five under.

Finishing with a two-under total, Leishman had the driver going, hitting 10 from 14 fairways at Bay Hill.

But he struggled with his approach play and was often forced to scramble to save par.

Leishman was pleased his scorecard had just one bogey, with three birdies ensuring he is still not out of the race going into the third round.

"I wouldn't say I'm thrilled with two under, but it was pretty good considering; I probably got the best score out of my performance," Leishman told AAP.

"The greens might dry out and the afternoon wave might have a bit of trouble with how fast they will get and the difficult pin positions."

Meanwhile, Aaron Baddeley is the only other Australian in the field at the prestigious Palmer invitational after 2016 champion Jason Day withdrew mid-round on Thursday with a back injury.

Baddeley has dropped a shot early in his round to sit at one under the card.