'Patient' Adam Scott shares Australian Masters lead with 'surprise package' Nathan Holman

Defending champion Adam Scott patiently moved into a share of the lead with local 'surprise package' Nathan Holman at the Australian Masters by shooting a flawless five-under 66 for a nine-under total of 133 during the second round on Friday.

Although sublime off tee and fairway, and enjoying a perfect start with three straight birdies, Scott had to grind his way at the Royal Melbourne course through a frustrating run of 11 straight pars before picking up strokes on the 15th and 17th.

According to Sport24, Scott's bogey-free round kept his title defence on track and his bid to sweep Australia's three marquee tournaments alive ahead of the National Open in Sydney, although the Australian ace said that it was not an exciting performance on his part as he felt like he 'plodded along'.

Along with Holman, the report said that Scott, who won the Australian PGA Championship last week, sits a stroke ahead of overnight leader Nick Cullen and fellow Australian Matt Griffin on eight-under.

Meanwhile, the report mentioned that American Matt Kuchar moved quietly into contention by setting a sole fifth place in the tournament with a 66 set up by a blistering front nine, which followed four straight birdies in his opening holes.