Australian Austin Bautista continued where he left off last season and claimed a share of the second-round lead with Keegan McLachlan in the Mediclinic Invitational at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate on Thursday.

Bautista carded a bogey-free round of five-under-par 66 to share the lead with McLachlan, who signed for a three-under-par 68, on 11 under par.

They are one shot clear of the South African duo of Keagan Thomas (67) and Wynand Dingle (64).

Bautista finished off last season in impressive form, with eighth in The Courier Guy Playoffs and seventh in the DNi Tour Championship on his way to a final placing of 15th on the Courier Guy Order of Merit.

McLachlan did well to keep his title chase on track despite two bogeys in his round, and not having his A-game with him.

“Today was a bit more of a grind than yesterday. I just didn’t hit the ball as well and didn’t roll in as many putts as yesterday. But overall I am happy with the round. I managed it well. I played the front nine solid, missed a few putts, but had some good up-and-downs that kept the momentum going. I finished with two nice birdies,” said McLachlan.

His bogey on the 12th came after he hit his tee shot into the hazard. But he made up for that with a solid chip to within half a foot of the hole on 13 for a birdie there. His second bogey on the 16th hole came after one of his best drives this week, but which found the fairway bunker. The rollercoaster continued as he responded with a long birdie putt on the par-three 17th hole.

As the joint leader heading into the final two rounds, McLachlan is looking forward to the challenge of chasing a maiden Sunshine Tour title.

“I will have the same approach and have fun. The nerves will be there, but you must use it to your advantage. I am happy with the start but there is still a long way to go. I’ve got to stick to what I am doing well and whatever happens, happens,” McLachlan said.