Adam Scott may be a formidable opponent on any golf course but one pair of Australians is relishing the prospect of battling the world No.3 for the Australian PGA Championship.

South Australian Wade Ormsby and West Australia’s Scott Strange upstaged defending champion Scott on Friday’s second round at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

Ormsby shot a five-under-par 67, highlighted by a six-hole run including an eagle and four birdies on his front nine to rocket into contention at the third and final Australian major of the summer.

Strange, a two-time European Tour winner, joined Ormsby on nine-under when he birdied his last to complete a six-under 66 on Friday – the best round of the day.

It means the pair head into Saturday’s penultimate round two shots clear of Scott, who backed up Thursday’s opening round 68 with a three-under 69 to be in third on seven under.

A good friend of Scott’s who once rented a property off the 2013 Masters champion during their fledging playing days in Europe, 34-year-old Ormsby said it would be exciting to take on his mate for the Joe Kirkwood cup.

“It’s good, that’s what you dream of growing up,” Ormsby said.

“There’s plenty of guys, Rory (McIlroy) or the guys in America – I played university with Matt Kuchar – you play with them all the time.

“Yes they are higher ranked players but you do feel a lot more comfortable in their presence because you know them.”

Strange, who slipped somewhat under the radar throughout his round, said his lofty leaderboard position wouldn’t be changing his approach.

“I just want to hit as less balls as possible and go and play because I’m tired, it’s been a long four months,” Strange told AAP.

“Adam’s a great player. I’ve known him for a while. Only really played one round of golf with him. He’ll draw a big crowd so tomorrow could be a busy day out on the golf course.”

Scott’s round featured four birdies and a bogey but the 34-year-old Queenslander was feeling happy with his game.

After slow starts at both the Australian Masters and Australian Open, Scott is hopeful his improving form will carry him to a title before he ends his 2014 campaign.

“It’s big for me,” he said.

“Energy levels are getting low and you can see the end of the line but I’m pushing through, I’m doing my usual routines. Not cutting any corners, I really want to finish off with a win and hang on to a trophy this year.”