A mid-season reset with coach John Serhan is driving Sarah Kemp’s charge at the FREED Scottish Open as she seeks to play her way into next week’s AIG Women’s Open.

Rounds of 69-68 have Kemp in a share of third at Dundonald Links, five shots back of Japan’s Hinako Shibuno.

Still chasing a breakthrough LPGA Tour win, Kemp likely needs a top-three finish to earn a spot in the field next week at Walton Heath Golf Club.

Her hopes have been enhanced by an opportune catch-up with Serhan after her long-time coach spent time with her at the Evian Championship having travelled to Europe for Harrison Crowe’s Open Championship debut.

That – and a new putter that is quickly gaining favour within her bag – has given Kemp a confident mindset heading into the final two rounds.

“I don't get to see him too much, but every time I do… he's my safety blanket in a way,” Kemp explained.

“I hope no girl ever asks me to take a look at their swing because I have no clue. I just hit the ball.

“He can see just the little things that are out, and luckily there were just a couple of little things that he said to me, and feels like they're falling into place nicely.”

Originally from Forster on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, Kemp credits her exposure to links golf at New South Wales Golf Club in Sydney for her relative comfort on Dundonald Links.

“I hope the weekend is like yesterday, which was pretty windy,” Kemp added.

“I grew up playing in a lot of wind. It's hard, but it doesn't scare me.”

Although a lot further down the leaderboard, Minjee Lee produced one of the rounds of the day simply to make the cut.

An uncharacteristic 8-over 80 in Round 1 made Lee look unlikely to play the weekend but the 27-year-old showed commendable fight to make seven birdies in her round of 6-under 66.

Steph Kyriacou also bounced back on day, improving nine shots with a round of 5-under 67 to be tied for 30th.

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