Morgan Pressel matched a course record at the LPGA Tour’s Kia Classic with an eight-under 64 for a share of the second-round lead with Mirim Lee in California.

The American had eight birdies in her bogey-free morning round at Aviara to match Lee at 10-under 134.

“It was kind of stress-free golf out there today. It was nice,” Pressel said.

“I had a lot of opportunities, and still, even with eight birdies, opportunities that I left out there, I missed or lipped out. But I just played really, really solidly. I’m happy with the result.”

World No.1 Lydia Ko was tied for ninth at seven under after a two-under 70, her 26th straight LPGA Tour round under par – three short of Annika Sorenstam’s record set in 2004 – and 29th worldwide.

“I didn’t know that the record was 29 until I saw it on Twitter,” Ko said.

“But to have a record that’s already set by a legendary player like Annika, it’s pretty awesome that I’m like only three rounds away … like I said, I’m going to try and take one round at a time. This is a tough course.”

The 17-year-old New Zealander has two worldwide victories this year, winning the tour’s Women’s Australian Open and the Ladies European Tour’s New Zealand Women’s Open in consecutive weeks.

She has 10 straight top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour.

Pressel matched the course record set last year by Dori Carter.

Alison Lee and Cristie Kerr finished at nine under while Karrie Webb is the best-placed Australian in a tie for 46th at two under.