American Heather Bowie produced what she described as the finest round ofher career to move two shots clear of the field after thewomen's British Open second round today.
The 28-year-old, whose best result in three years on tour was a tie for second at The Office Depot Championship in Los Angeles in April, reeled off six birdies on her way to a blemish-free 66, finishing the day at eight-under 136.
Tied for second at six under were South Korea's world number two Pak Se Ri (69) and American Solheim Cup player Wendy Ward (71).
Defending champion Karrie Webb of Australia, co-leader with Ward overnight after an opening 67, slipped to a 72 for a five-way share of fourth place at five-under-par 139.
Webb was level with two players who shot a course-record 65 - Mexico's Lorena Ochoa and South Korea's Grace Park - while world number one Annika Sorenstam of Sweden was a further shot back at four under after carding a 72.
American Bowie said she had prepared for the fourth and last of the year's women's major championships by spending a couple of weeks with her coach, Michael Hunt, at Friar's Head on Long Island.
"He's at a club based on the sound and it's very windy up there," she explained. "I was hitting shots in a turtle neck and rain suit and thought that would be good coming in to this week."
Bowie has made steady progress in her career. This season, she has produced three top-10 finishes and climbed to a career-high 27th in the LPGA Tour's money list with earnings of $276,253.
She displayed her liking for links course golf by posting a 65 in the second round of last year's women's British Open at Turnberry in Scotland.
"I don't know what it is about Fridays at the British Open, but I'm beginning to enjoy them," she said.
Korean Pak, however, has taken a while to learn to appreciate the links challenge.
She made her debut in the British Open at Royal Lytham five years ago when the first two rounds were played in gale-force winds and driving rain.
"I had really bad memories of this place, but I'm learning how to play theses sorts of courses," said the 25-year-old, who won the 2001 championship at Sunningdale.
"You have to hit it straight, and be able to play every club in the bag. You also need patience and imagination."
Swede Sorenstam experienced a mixed round. "I was happy with some holes, disappointed by others," she said after mixing three birdies with three bogeys.
"But I'm still in good shape and I'll be giving it my all over the weekend. This is a title that I really want to win."
Webb eagled the 455-yard 15th for the second day in succession, and her only other deviation from par was a couple of bogeys, including one at the last after hitting her tee shot into a bunker.
"If I'd made par at the last, I would have been really pleased with the day," said the joint first-round leader. I actually hit the ball better than in the first round, but couldn't hole a putt."