Having begun the day two behind overnight leaders Scott Piercy of the United States and fellow Australian Marcus Fraser, Scott was able to produce a six-under par round.

The 35-year-old, who won the Honda Classic, admitted that despite his excellent first two days of competition, he will need to improve further to hold off the field.

“I’d like to find a little extra gear this weekend,” Scott said.

“I think I’ll probably need it to win with the quality of leaderboard we’ve got.

“That will be the test for me."

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, who is playing with a new cross-handed grip, is Scott’s nearest rival as a superb seven-under-par 65 moved him into second place.

America’s Dustin Johnson was the only man to better the Northern Irishman’s effort, as he shot an eight-under par round to lie level with McIlroy.

England's Danny Willett is a shot further behind on seven under, with America’s Charley Hoffman and Bubba Watson also firmly in contention, just four off the leader.

However, Piercy and Fraser were among those to struggle during the second day, as the day one leaders both carded rounds of 77 to drop to one-under par.

World number one Jordan Spieth also has plenty to do if he is to win the tournament, with the American currently seven shots behind Scott.