World No. 3 Adam Scott cut a swath through the field on day two of the Emirates Australian Open with a then new course record at the Australian Club in Sydney.

After starting with a horror three over par 74 the 2013 Masters winner bounced back with a five-under par 66 to be right in frame to make amends in losing out on being handed the Stonehaven Trophy a year ago.

Scott headed to lunch just one behind Jordan Spieth who stumbled with three birdies but also four bogeys in a score of a one over par 72 but to enjoy the clubhouse lead on three under par.

Scott had been five over par after 11 holes on day one but has now played the 25 holes in seven under par and highlighting his second day with an eagle ‘three’ at the 14th that he was playing as his fifth.

Scott backed up his eagle with birdies on the 16th and 18th holes to reach the turn in 31 to surge to one under before moving to two under par.

“It was nice to set a new course record but I’m not sure how long it will remain,” said Scott smiling.

“Really, I was hanging in there today and I managed to piece together something even though it wasn’t all pretty but then it was a pretty good score in the end.

“We had a great morning for it today but in saying that you have to get it in the hole in few shots though the greens are very tricky.  I have missed so many greens with a wedge in my hand.

“So I did well today with no bogeys and I need to keep that going with things heading in the right direction after a not so happy start yesterday morning.”

However Scott’s ownership of the new course record, given major changes to the layout and the event being played to a par 71, lasted only a short while before American Jamie Lovemark posted a 65.

Spieth bogeyed the 11th and 13th holes to allow Sydney’s Aron Price to claim a share of the lead before he had even teed off for his second round but the Texan regrouped late in the round with birdies at his 17th and 18th holes for his score of 72.

“It was really struggle to keep it going but just pleased to birdie the last two holes that has kept me in there,” said the Texan.

“I know it’s there and I know it’s close, so it’s a matter of keeping it going.”

Queensland-born Rod Pampling was another big mover on Friday with four straight birdies on his outward nine briefly vaulting the veteran into a tie for the lead.

All players will wear a black ribbon during the second round to honour Phillip Hughes.

The former Australian Test batsman’s death on Thursday shocked all at the Australian Golf Club and, to honour their fellow sportsman, players will be given the ribbons before teeing off on Friday.

Championship director Trevor Herden said it was a sign of solidarity in the sporting community as the nation grieved the loss of one of its top professional sportsmen.

“Not just as athletes, but as a community, the loss hit hard today and we feel it’s the right thing to do to show our tournament and the players are right behind the Hughes family and the cricket community,” Herden said.

“It’s the best way we can show our respect at this time.”

Scott joined fellow Australians Robert Allenby, and a past Australian Open winner, who shot a 69 along with Jack Higginbottom (69) and former Australian Masters winner Pampling (67) on two under par.

In contrast, Spieth had two birdies but also four bogeys in carding a 73 to fall back into a tie with Scott on two under par.

Also at two under par and yet to commence his second round was World No. 1 Rory McIlroy.