Shane Lowry goes low to share second place as Scottie Scheffler leads Masters by five

Shane Lowry produced some scintilating golf to play himself into a share of second place at the Masters, hitting a four-under-par 68 at Augusta National.

The 2019 Open champion started the day on one over par, six shots off the overnight lead of Sungjae Im, and moved to two over with an opening bogey to start his second round on Friday.

However, a bounce-back birdie on the par-five second hole kicked the Offaly man into gear and from there produced flawless golf, which included another birdie on the seventh to turn on level par for the tournament.

Lowry then moved right into contention, attacking the back nine and picking up three further shots with a hole-out on ten, and birdies on 13 and 15, before making par on the final three holes to post 68.

"I'd say that's one of the best rounds I've ever played," said Lowry, speaking to Sky Sports after his round.

"I'm in a great position. "You’re going to need everything to go your way to be standing there getting a green jacket on Sunday.

"I’m where I want to be. I’m where I need to be. It’s going to be hard, but I’m looking forward to it."

38-yard chip in for the Irishman. Shane Lowry moves to one under par for the Tournament. #themasters pic.twitter.com/Wq8OgaELrk

While the Clara native is sharing second place, Scottie Scheffler lived up to his world number one status by posting an incredible five-under 67 to take a five-shot lead into the weekend.

Starting the round on three under following Thursday's 69, Scheffler posted seven birdies and two bogeys to put himself into a commanding position at the half-way stage.

Three other players share second with Lowry, including former champions Charl Schwartzel and Hideki Matsuyama, as well as overnight leader Sungjae Im.

Tiger Woods battled his