The former World No.1 reeled off seven birdies during a bogey-free 64 that catapulted him to six-under overall at the Tiger Woods-hosted Genesis Invitational.

With play still underway, Scott sits just three shots behind the lead, with Matt Kuchar at nine-under.

Scott's 64 was highlighted by a stunning 3-wood he hit from 290 yards that settled 13 feet from the hole at the par-5 17th, which set up an easy two-putt birdie.

"Yeah, that was a great swing and a great shot. It was everything I had," Scott said.

"Unfortunately, I left the (eagle) putt a little short but those kind of swings give you a lot of confidence and I would like to keep swinging it like that over the weekend."

Scott also produced a short game masterclass, saving par all five times he missed a green in regulation.

He was hot with the putter, needing just 26 strokes on the greens, including five back-nine birdies.

"I scrambled well today; my chipping and my putting was very solid out there," Scott said.

- Evin Priest, Australian Associated Press