Australian Open: Scott back into contention

Adam Scott soared back into contention with a five-under par 66 in the second round of the Australian Open on Friday, claiming a course record that lasted little more than half an hour.

Down in the dumps after a three over-par start on Thursday, the Australian caught fire with an eagle at the par-five 14th, his fifth hole, and picked up three more shots on his way home in a blemish-free round.

Given The Australian Golf Club course was reconfigured into a par-71 layout for this tournament, Scott was clearly amused by being lauded for having shot the lowest round on it.

"We had a good morning for it, so I had to take advantage just for the sake of getting back in the tournament," he told reporters.

"I guess it's fun to shoot a course record. I'm pretty sure it might not hold up for the rest of the week but feels good anyway."

He was correct and American Jamie Lovemark was completing a round of 65 as the world number three was making his way back from the media tent to the clubhouse.

Still, Scott's round had put him right back among the clubhouse leaders at two-under for the tournament with the wind picking up for the late starters, including champion Rory McIlroy.