Flawless Stricker takes a five-shot lead in Hawaii

The Wisconsin-born 44-year-old, who started with a 68 on Friday, picked up eight birdies and an eagle in a flawless round on the Plantation Course at Kapalua to move to 15-under- par.

Webb Simpson was his nearest challenger after a 68, with fellow American Kevin Na in third place – a further stroke back – after an eagle-eagle finish helped him card a 64.

Defending champion and first-round leader Jonathan Byrd signed for a two-under 71 and was seven shots off the pace in a tie for fourth alongside Scotland’s Martin Laird (70).

Stricker was delighted with his round but was not getting carried away. “It was a special day,” he said. “When you can shoot 10-under, a lot of good things have to happen. I gave myself a lot of opportunities. I made a lot of putts. I just played consistent, really never got into any trouble.

“It was just a good, solid round of golf. We’re only halfway, through, so I’ve still got a lot of work left to do – I realise that.

“So I’ve just got to come out tomorrow with the same mentality that I’ve had every other day, and that’s just to take one shot at a time and keep plugging away.”

Asked if Ernie Els’s 2003 tournament mark of 31-under-par had entered his thoughts, he replied: “It doesn’t enter my mind, and I really hate putting numbers on anything. I just go out and take what it gives me, really.”