The Open

Billy Horschel holds Open lead after third round at wet Royal Troon

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: July 20 2024 | 20:47

Last updated: July 25 2024 | 05:25

Congested: Seven players within one shot of Open lead after third round

Billy Horschel holds a one-shot lead after the third round of the Open Championship at Royal Troon, albeit with six players directly on his tail.

Billy Horschel has established a one-shot lead after the third round of the Open Championship at a wet Royal Troon.

The American - as well as the rest of the leading players - got the worst of the elements on Saturday, the wind switching direction and persistent rain making the Scottish course play far longer and more difficult than the morning and early afternoon contingent had it.

Nevertheless, Horschel came out on top with a round of 69, despite not posting a birdie during his back nine with pars a good score on any hole.

Daniel Brown, the world number 272, had been a prominent figure throughout the day, the Englishman holding the lead heading into his final two holes.

However, finding the bunker led to bogey at the long par-three 17th, before an unfortunate break with the ball somehow remaining out of a bunker and leaving him with no stance contributing to double-bogey on the last.

Depending on his perspective, Brown may prefer to go under the radar on the final day, with five other players joining him one-shot adrift of Horschel.

Thriston Lawrence, Sam Burns, Russell Henley, Xander Schauffele and Justin Rose endured contrasting rounds, Burns coming from deep in the pack to put himself in contention with a 65.

Meanwhile, Rose, now a wily veteran, would record a 73, making a fine up and down on the last to leave him in the hunt for a second major.

Brilliant approach on the par-3 17th from world number one, Scottie Scheffler. pic.twitter.com/F7s8NAR4kY
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2024

Scheffler remains in the hunt

There are just two other players under-par, one of them being world number one Scottie Scheffler who made a magnificent birdie on the 17th hole to keep him within touching distance.

Shane Lowry had a disastrous day alongside Brown in the final group, dropping seven shots on his final 11 holes to register a 77.

Adam Scott, Justin Thomas and Matthew Jordan are all four shots behind in a share of 10th position, but the likes of Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson may be too far back at six shots adrift.