Adam Scott races into lead in Australia

Adam Scott during the second round of the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Pines. Picture: AP/OneAsia

Scott was at 10-under 132 on the Gold Coast, while fellow Australian David McKenzie was in second after a 69.

American Rickie Fowler, who began the day with a two-stroke lead, holed out with his approach on the first hole for an eagle, but things got progressively more difficult for him in swirling afternoon winds. He finished with a 72, tied for third with two others and three strokes behind Scott.

It is Scott’s first tournament back in Australia since his win at Augusta. He’ll play the next three weeks in home tournaments: the Australian Masters and the World Cup of Golf, both at Royal Melbourne, and the Australian Open at Royal Sydney.

Good shape

“I put a real focus on getting ready the best I could for this event and wanting to play well,” Scott said. “I am in pretty good shape at the moment.”

Scott, starting on the back nine, eagled the par-5 12th to move into a share of the lead with McKenzie. A birdie at the par-4 fourth put him into the lead for good during the round.

Scott was honoured today with “Green Day” as spectators and many players wore something green to commemorate Scott’s playoff victory at the US Masters in April; the first Australian to win a green jacket.

“The PGA wanted to make today a green day and everyone embraced it, even the players. Which is really special for me that my peers would do that,” Scott said. “Nice to see that they enjoy seeing an Aussie win the Masters too.”

Fowler had back luck over two days. He played in the morning pairings Thursday and Scott played in the afternoon with little or no wind. On Friday, the afternoon turned nasty for Fowler.

“It was a tough test out there,” Fowler said. “The wind ... and the greens got a little bumpy at the end.”