South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence has taken the lead at the British Open, with several players in contention for golf’s final major of the year. Lawrence is currently on seven-under par after nine holes, followed closely by England’s Justin Rose, and overnight leader Billy Horschel and Xander Schauffele from the USA on five under.
Lawrence is aiming to join the esteemed list of South African golfers who have won the Claret Jug, including Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Bobby Locke.
Justin Rose, seeking his second major title and England’s first Open victory since Nick Faldo in 1992, made three birdies in the first nine holes in favorable conditions at Royal Troon in Scotland.
Billy Horschel, world number 62, started strong with a birdie on the first hole but fell slightly behind Lawrence and Rose after a missed putt on the Postage Stamp eighth hole.
Xander Schauffele, coming off his maiden major win at the PGA Championship, was also in contention at five-under par.
World number one Scottie Scheffler recorded three birdies in the first eight holes before a setback on the ninth hole.
Ireland’s Shane Lowry, the leader after two rounds, bounced back from a disappointing Saturday with four birdies between holes four and eight to get back in the mix at four under.
Many players have struggled this week with the challenging weather conditions and tough course setup.
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods both missed the cut, while Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, and Viktor Hovland also failed to make it to the final two rounds.
Home favorite Robert MacIntyre finished nine over for the tournament.
“Last week is the one that we’ll reflect on because there’s no real point reflecting on this one when it’s been absolute carnage from start to finish,” said MacIntyre.
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