Adam Scott has teed off hoping to climb the leaderboard during the second round of the Australian Open in Sydney.

Scott is seven shots behind American leader Jordan Spieth after carding a disappointing 76 on Thursday, with world No.1 Rory McIlroy (69) two off the pace in his title defence.

Scott needs to shoot a low number to avoid missing the halfway cut for the first time in his 15-year professional career.

“I’ll claw my way back into it tomorrow morning, get into red figures and hopefully won’t be too far back come the weekend,” the world No.3 vowed after his poor first round.

Setting the pace after an opening round of four-under 67, Spieth also expected Scott to hit back.

“He just had an off day from the first hole on. He just didn’t have it going,” Spieth said.

“I have played a lot of golf with him and am fully aware of what he is capable of doing.

“It’s great to see how positive he remains on each shot. I wouldn’t have handled it the way he did and that’s something I have to learn moving forward.

“I expect him to be back and go low.”

All players will wear a black ribbon during the second round to honour the late cricketer Phillip Hughes.

The former Australian Test batsman’s death on Thursday shocked all at The Australian Golf Club and, to honour their fellow sportsman, players will be given the ribbons before teeing off on Friday.

Championship director Trevor Herden said it was a sign of solidarity in the sporting community as the nation grieved the loss of one of its top professional sportsmen.

“Not just as athletes, but as a community, the loss hit hard today and we feel it’s the right thing to do to show our tournament and the players are right behind the Hughes family and the cricket community,” Herden said.

“It’s the best way we can show our respect at this time.”