Lydia Ko playing catch-up

Lydia Ko of New Zealand tees off during day two of the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open at The Grange. Photo / Getty

Lydia Ko is four shots off the pace at the Australian Open after shooting a two under par round in Adelaide today.

The world No. 1's second round assault began promisingly with a birdie on the par 5 opening hole at The Grange course but she could not close on the leaders over the front nine before turning with a bogey on the par 5 10th hole.

The Kiwi ace then knuckled down to reel in birdies on the 11th and 13th holes to finish with a 70 to back up her opening round 72.

But at two under the card she is still four shots off the clubhouse leader, England's Holly Clyburn who shot a stellar 65.

Clyburn, winner of last year's NSW Open, was in the clubhouse at eight under, as was evergreen Scot Catriona Matthew, who is in contention some 20 years after taking out the Australian Open as a 26-year-old.

Clyburn began her second round in stunning style: an eagle and three birdies in her initial five holes.

"I was loving it, really," she said. "I have been waiting for this round for a long time."
Aussie veteran Karrie Webb was forced to dig deep into her golfing nous to sneak within three shots of the lead.

Queenslander Webb, seeking a sixth Australian Open crown, shot one-under-par 71 to be six under for the tournament.