10th July 2009, Glasgow, Scotland: Retief Goosen is not known as a comic, but he is sure he gave his playing partners a laugh at Loch Lomond today by making a total mess of his opening shot.

"A low, thinny one going right - probably not even 180 yards off the tee," said Goosen of his three wood down the tenth.

The South African was the one smiling the most at the end of The Barclays Scottish Open second round, however, after an eight under par 63 catapulted him to 11 under par at halfway.

Goosen missed out on the course record by only one stroke - as he did not need telling because he was the one to achieve it back in 1997.

"I've shot 62 around here twice, once with placing (in 2001 en route to taking the title) and once without.

"I do like it here. The golf course is fairly generous off the tee and I'm not one of the straightest hitters."

The double US Open Championship winner, who rescued his par four on the tenth with a 30 foot putt, has a particular fondness for the 518 yard third hole now.

As on the opening day he sank 20 footer for eagle, making him four under there already this week.

Goosen - a winner in Asia, Africa and America in the last nine months, but not in Europe since the 2005 German Masters - held a two stroke clubhouse lead over Australian Adam Scott at the halfway mark.

“I'm pleased, two rounds in the 60s in a row, it's good for me,” said Scott. “It feels really good the way my game is at the moment. My ball striking is there again, and just enjoying being out there and being able to hit some shots.

“I felt that when I first played here, I enjoyed the club, and also it's a lot like a course I grew up playing in Australia. So obviously that was a comfortable feeling for me. It's a beautiful place and the golf course is great, especially on days like today.

“It would be nice to have a good weekend, but I feel really comfortable out here. It's very generous off the tee which can actually improve your driving, because you know you're going to hit a lot of fairways, so you get a little confidence. I've played nicely for two days. I really enjoy coming here.”

Last week’s Open de France ALSTOM winner Martin Kaymer and Scott’s compatriot Marcus Fraser share third place on eight under par.

And the Australian admitted he had not expected such favourable weather conditions in Scotland.

“I didn't realise we were in Scotland this week,” joked Fraser. “The last couple of days it's been beautiful. I don't think it will be like this tomorrow but the course is beautiful. The greens are awesome, as good as it gets, and one of the best places in the world this week when the weather is like this.”

“My putting was good today,” said 24 year old German Kaymer. “I hit a lot of solid shots, a lot of greens, and made a lot of putts especially on the back nine.”