Golf: Long surges back at Australian Open

Michael Long of New Zealand plays a shot on the 14th hole during day one of the Australian Open. Photo / Getty Images

Experienced New Zealand golfer Michael Long surged up the leaderboard to a share of seventh after the second round of the Australian Open at The Lakes course in Sydney today.

Perth-based Long shot a four-under 68 to improve to five-under, climbing from his 31st placing following a first round 71.

He sits shots behind outright leader Geoff Ogilivy, who leads a trio of Australians on 11-under after carding 65 today. Matt Jones is a shot back, one clear of overnight leader Matthew Griffin on nine-under.

Long shot five birdies and just one bogey, leaving him two strokes clear of the next-best New Zealander Gareth, 16th after a 69 today lifted him to three-under.

Michael Campbell shot a second straight 71 to be 27th, two strokes clear of Mahal Pearce, who is 47th after a second consecutive 72.

- NZPA