America’s Brian Harman is in a commanding position going into the final round of the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool tomorrow (July 23).
He shot a two-under par 69 and enjoys a five-shot lead over fellow countryman Cameron Young.
Southport’s Tommy Fleetwood started his third round well, with a birdie at the second hole.
But unfortunately for the home support, that was his only birdie of the day as the Merseysider rued a number of missed opportunities.
He finished with a level par 71, five shots off the lead.
Meanwhile, Masters champion Jon Rahm sits third after a fantastic round of 63.
Rahm moved from two over par to six under after a storming back nine of 30 shots.
Overnight leader Harman dropped two shots in the first four holes, threatening to derail his superb work over the first two days.
Shortly after a rapturously-received early birdie for Fleetwood, the gap at the top was down to two.
However, 36-year-old Harman showed his true mettle, returning to 10 under at the halfway stage as the conditions worsened.
Consecutive birdies on 12 and 13 saw him extend his lead and he is now a strong favourite to win his first major championship.
Despite the weather taking a turn for the worse overnight, good scoring was possible for the early runners.
Americans Rickie Fowler and Patrick Cantlay shot 67s, as did the well-fancied Matthew Fitzpatrick.
By some distance, the round of the day belonged to Rahm.
After an indifferent start to the tournament, the current Green Jacket holder shook off the shackles to card a sensational 63, one shot behind the all-time men’s record of 62.
A fine first nine featured two birdies, but the Spaniard exploded on the back nine, picking up a further six shots, including a birdie in front of the grandstand on 18.
History for Jon Rahm.
A Hoylake record 63 on moving day. pic.twitter.com/2BAvxiarFl
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2023
It was a familiar story for Rory McIlroy, who threatened a Rahm-esque charge with two early birdies.
His progress stalled as the round went on, denying him the momentum he so craves.
He finished the day on three-under, nine shots off the lead. As has been his way over the past half-decade or more, he will need a sensational Sunday if he is to have any chance.
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Other fine performances came from Cameron Young and Viktor Hovland. Both shot five-under par 66s and could contend, should Harman faulter.
Local favourite Matthew Jordan struggled for the first 13 holes before finally finding his mojo.
Four late birdies leave him on minus three. The 27-year-old from Hoylake is set for a six-figure payday if he continues to perform well on Sunday.
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(Picture courtesy of R&A images)
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