Geoff Ogilvy shot a seven-under-par 65 at The Lakes to take a one-stroke lead after two rounds at the Australian Open. The 2006 US Open champion has a 36-hole total of 11-under par 133. Another Australian, Matt Jones, shot 64 to be one stroke behind; the first-round leader, Matthew Griffin, also from Australia, was another stroke back after a 70.

The American Dudley Hart, who was making a first tournament start in 18 months, following back surgery, shot 69 and was tied for fourth with the Australians John Senden (71) and Paul Sheehan (67). Greg Norman and Fred Couples, the Presidents Cup captains for next year at Royal Melbourne, had contrasting results. Norman, the International captain, made the cut, set at a one-over 145, after shooting a 69 for a total of 143. Couples, the US captain, shot 74 and missed the cut by one stroke. John Daly was also on 146 after a 77.

Ogilvy won the US PGA Tour's opening event in Hawaii before having a difficult year and falling to 43rd in the world rankings. "You're lying if you said you're not thinking about winning, but it's way in the back of your mind," Ogilvy said. "The closer you get to the end the more you start thinking about it, but after 36 holes it's not going to monopolise my thoughts."His playing partner, Adam Scott, also took advantage of some easy morning conditions to shoot a 66. The defending champion took 75 in the first round.

Scott said The Lakes course was playing too easily. "They are certainly being cautious, which might be the smart thing to do [but] it is taking a little of the fire, a little of the challenge out of the golf course by having [the greens] that slow," he said. "More balls are staying on the greens than rolling off. Some of the extreme long putts across the breaks are a little easier because the greens are slower."