As Nick Cullen closed in on victory at the Australian Masters last month one name kept popping up whenever he looked at a leaderboard – Adam Scott.

But despite the best efforts of the world No.3, Cullen held off his more vaunted rival to land his first Australian major title by a single shot.

The confidence gained from that success has carried across the summer, with Cullen keeping himself in the hunt after finishing five-under-par at the halfway point in the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast.

Rounds of 68 and 71 hardly tore apart Royal Pines but should be enough to keep him within touch of the leaders going into the business end of the tournament.

And it seems not even defending champion Scott can get into the South Australian’s head.

“To get past him – barely – but still get past him, is great,” Cullen said.

“I looked up and any time I saw anything on the scoreboard it was A Scott, so you definitely know he’s there.

“It definitely helps to beat him with the confidence. I’m sure he’ll be the one to beat this weekend, the course suits him perfectly and he’s playing well.”

Cullen’s first two rounds on the Gold Coast were interrupted and delayed by storms and rain.

Having come through that relatively unscathed, the 30-year-old is now hoping for better conditions over the weekend as he tries to end the summer as the top name on the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.

“I’m just trying to play golf this weekend and two more rounds to go, anything can happen,” he said.

“It wasn’t the easiest two days, the delays and getting up really early this morning and finishing the round was a bit tricky.

“Very happy to be five-under, in the clubhouse and have a nice afternoon off.”