Talor Gooch has returned to form at the RSM Classic and took his place at the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend with another low round.

Gooch made a superb start to the new season, finishing in ties for fourth, 11th, fifth and 11th respectively across his first four events.

The American failed to build on another strong start last time out at the Houston Open, but he now has a first PGA Tour victory firmly in his sights at Sea Island Resort.

Gooch had carded an eight-under 64 when playing the Plantation course on Thursday and further improved his position with a five-under 65 at Seaside in round two.

That was enough for a one-stroke lead over John Huh and Sebastian Munoz, the latter having led after shooting 60 to start at Seaside before two bogeys capped his progress on Friday.

The day undoubtedly belonged to Gooch, who sunk the longest putt of his Tour career for an eagle from 66 feet at the seventh.

"It's just comfortable, man. I'm playing well, but I think my game has made a turn for some good stuff in some ways," he said.

"I've been working my butt off for years, but especially the last six, eight months with driving the ball and working my butt off with putting."

The majority of the big names made the cut, with slumping former world number one Jason Day one notable exception, but Louis Oosthuizen – the highest-ranked player at the tournament – is no threat to Gooch.

The South African withdrew before Friday's round due to his latest bout of back pain.