Major Australian golf hope Minjee Lee has set herself a launching pad for a Rio Olympics medal with an impressive second round at Marapendi.

Lee shot a four-under 67 to be four shots off Korean leader Inbee Park at 10-under with American Stacey Lewis a stroke further back thanks to a course record 63 on Thursday.

The world No.17 started the day four shots off the pace, but produced six birdies and a bogey in her first 10 holes to briefly hold the outright lead at -7.

However, a bogey on the par-3 14th stunted the 20-year-old’s momentum as she closed at six-under to be tied for eighth at the midway mark of the tournament.

“I’m happy with my result today,” admitted Lee, who felt she lost rhythm when under pressure to speed up the round.

World number one Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, is at 3 under. Photo: Getty.

“The wind kind of got up and we were on the clock (for slow play) most of the back nine. I think my rhythm was a little out.

“Hopefully I can improve on it tomorrow.”

Park closed strongly on the back nine to produce her second straight round of 65 to take the clubhouse lead from day two standout Lewis.

The American hit 11 birdies, a bogey and a double bogey in her eight-under 63 to be nine-under.

Britain’s Charley Hull (68-66) and Canada’s Brooke Henderson (70-64) are a shot further back.

New Zealand world No.1 Lydia Ko shot a one-under 70 to be three-under overall.

Melbourne’s Su Oh appears out of contention after a second-round 72 to be one over for the tournament and tied for 38th.