Brisbane-based Cook Islander Elmay Viking surprised even herself after surging up the leaderboard into outright third place at the halfway stage of the women's Vic Open at 13th Beach.
Viking, 30, had a four-under 69 including an eagle and three birdies on Friday to move to six-under 139, three shots behind Japan's Shina Kanazawa.
Australian Kelsey Bennett was in second spot at seven under.
Like so many others around the world, Viking was first inspired to take up golf by watching Tiger Woods on TV.
She cut her teeth on a nine-hole course - the only one on her home island of Aitutaki.
Viking and her family moved from the Cook Islands to Queensland in 2008 when she was 13, which opened up more opportunities to pursue her chosen sport.
The world No.1224 currently juggles life as a golf professional with a part-time job as a mail officer for Australia Post in Brisbane.
"To be honest I just wanted to enjoy myself and have fun today," said Viking, who has missed the halfway cut at her previous three events on the Australasian Women's PGA tour.
"My goal was to go four under, which I did.
"I never thought I'd be up there, potentially at the top of the leaderboard.
"I've got to say I'm pretty happy with that and happy to be in contention at all."
Viking's mother Josie is caddying for her this week.
Japanese Tour regular and first-round leader Kanazawa found the going somewhat tougher on Friday, eventually signing for a two-under 70.
NSW golfer Bennett (68) is looking forward to a big year in 2025, the 24-year-old having earned a full card on the Ladies European Tour for the first time.
LPGA tour regular Jenny Shin from South Korea - who now spends much of her time based in Melbourne - looked right at home in carding a 69 to move into a tie for fourth at five under with Australians Jessica Whitting and amateur Jazy Roberts and Japan's Madoka Kimura.
Former world No.1 and two-time major winner Jiyai Shin (71) from South Korea was eight shots off the pace at one under.
