The Australian fired a seven-under 64 in the second round on Friday to leap 14 places up the leaderboard after his opening 65 at Port Royal.

The 41-year-old is among a posse of chasers with Ben Crane just one ahead, the American shooting a nine-under 62 and leading at 14-under.

Baddeley was desperate to be involved at the tournament, so he chose to play in the qualifier, a decision that has already paid rich dividends.

"With my past champion status not really getting much this fall I wanted to make sure I could be here this week," he said.

"So went down on Monday and got in, I birdied the first hole to get into the play-off. Game's been feeling pretty good, so it was fun to play well these first two days. Reason to keep it going the next couple."

But all has not gone to plan for the one-time World No.16, once touted as a future star of the game. Struggling with his swing, he joined Mike Adams a year ago.

"Game's been feeling pretty good, so it was fun to play well these first two days. Reason to keep it going the next couple." - Aaron Baddeley.

"He's just really simplified my swing. For the majority of my career that's been the battle and I'd say this summer I hit the ball consistently, probably the most consistent I've ever done in my career and just didn't make enough putts.

"Feel like everything – got the putting figured out again now and just sort of feel like everything's sort of turning the corner.

"The confidence is back, just a matter of just getting some starts and go out and play. Mike's really been a huge help."

Baddeley's 64 included eight birdies. His only blemish in two rounds came at the 11th where he made bogey.

Compatriot Harrison Endycott, who opened with 62 to share the lead, signed for a one-under 70 to drop to tied 15th.

The Sydneysider had a mixed round, comprising three birdies and two bogeys, as opposed to his seven birdies and two eagles on Thursday.

Cameron Percy (68) is at eight-under, six behind leader Crane who took advantage of a rare start on the PGA Tour with his lowest score in 10 years.

The 46-year-old Crane only got into the tournament because he was the recipient of a sponsor's exemption.

"Obviously played the best golf I've played in a long time and to be in this tournament is super encouraging," Crane said.

"I don't get in a lot and then to get in and the weather starts getting bad right when I finished. So really cool to shoot 62. That 29 on the back, I didn't see it coming, but it adds up to 29. Super fun day."