BBC Coverage Women's Weetabix British Open 31 July-3 Aug Coverage on this website and live on BBC 2 1155-1715 BST Latest leaderboard

The 28-year-old, whose best result in three years on tour was a tie for second at The Office Depot Championship in Los Angeles in April, reeled off six birdies on her way to a blemish-free 66, finishing the day at eight-under 136.

Tied for second at six under were South Korea's world number two Pak Se Ri (69) and American Solheim Cup player Wendy Ward (71).

Defending champion Karrie Webb of Australia, co-leader with Ward overnight after an opening 67, slipped to a 72 for a five-way share of fourth place at five-under-par 139.

Bowie said she had prepared for the fourth and last of the year's women's major championships by spending a couple of weeks with her coach, Michael Hunt, at Friar's Head on Long Island.

SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD 136 Heather Bowie (USA) 138 Se Ri Pak (Kor), Wendy Ward (USA) 139 Akiko Fukushima (Jpn), Lorena Ochoa (Mex), Patricia Meunier Lebouc (Fra), Karrie Webb (Aus), Grace Park (Kor)

"He's at a club based on the sound and it's very windy up there," she said.

"I was hitting shots in a turtle neck and rain suit and thought that would be good coming in to this week.

"I don't know what it is about Fridays at the British Open, but I'm beginning to enjoy them," she added.

Korean Pak, however, has taken a while to learn to appreciate the links challenge.

She made her debut in the British Open at Royal Lytham five years ago when the first two rounds were played in gale-force winds and driving rain.

"I had really bad memories of this place, but I'm learning how to play theses sorts of courses," said the 25-year-old, who won the 2001 championship at Sunningdale.

"You have to hit it straight, and be able to play every club in the bag. You also need patience and imagination."