However, the 50-year-old American Ryder Cup captain was left to regret one shot at Carnoustie's infamous 18th hole which cost him dearly.
A brilliant birdie at the 232-yard, par-3 16th, where he hit a five wood to 10 foot, lifted Pavin to 6 under and a three-shot lead.
But when he drew the club again from his bag to attempt a 220-yard approach to the final green, he pulled the shot out of bounds. And while he nearly sank a 45-foot putt with his second ball, he had to settle for a double bogey.
“That's Carnoustie for you - you cannot relax for a minute on the course. Pull the ball left at the 18th and you are out of bounds,” he said.
“I didn't put a bad swing on the club, I just turned it over a little bit. And I knew the second that I hit it that I was in trouble.
“But I will settle for another second 69. On Wednesday afternoon I would happily have taken being 4 under after two rounds.” Former European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam was part of an early three-way tie for second place, a shot behind Pavin after a 5-under 67.
The Welshman had no doubt where that score came from after his opening 72 on Thursday.
“It was the weather,” Woosnam said. “I think I probably had nine pretty soft holes out and the wind was only getting up as I was finishing.” Woosnam was very much the odd man out on the leaderboard which for the second day running was dominated by American regulars from the Champions Tour.
A 1-under 70 from Larry Mize and a level 71 from Dan Forsman gave them a share of second place with Woosnman.
And the good form that Mark Calcavecchia produced for second place at the halfway point of the British Open came back. He shot a second straight 70 to be 2 under.
