With a beaming smile, amateur golfer Todd Sinnott looks happy just to be mixing it with the big boys at the Australian Masters.

But Sinnott is serious about his chances on his home course Metropolitan and is on track to fulfil his pre-tournament ambition of a top 10 finish.

The 22-year-old backed up his opening round 67 with a one-under-par 71 to put his target within reach heading into the final two rounds.

No amateur has ever won the Australian Masters.

The No.1-ranked Australian amateur has stunned spectators, and his playing partners PGA professionals Steven Bowditch and Boo Weekley, with his length off the tee.

Sinnott baulked at giving away his biggest stats but admitted he got hold of one on the 546m par-5 14th in the first round.

“I think someone sent me a picture that it was 341m or something on 14 but I don’t know, I don’t really pay that much attention,” Sinnott said.

He admitted the challenge during the tournament was to not play his natural game, usually using drivers at every opportunity.

“It’s completely different, like when I’m playing with mates, hitting driver on every hole pretty much.

“I’ve got to think a bit more and keep it out of trouble and basically just keeping the ball in play this week.”

With plans to turn professional next year he said he wouldn’t be happy with just making the cut after finishing sixth at the West Australian Open last month.

“I feel pretty comfortable out here,” said Sinnott.

“Top ten at the start of the week would have been a pretty good result but I’ve put myself in a nice position going into the weekend, so just do as good as I can and see what the result brings.”