After electing not to play the last three Open Championships in order to spend more time with his family and cut down on his golfing commitment, the 49-year-old American showed he has lost none of his determination and skill as he shot a three-under-par-68 on Saturday, matching the lowest round of the day. He made five birdies, but more importantly, did not make a single bogey on the difficult back nine of Troon.

Stricker, who was inside the top-10 of the world rankings when he made the decision to curtail his schedule, has slipped to 167th place now. He is desperate to get back into the top-50, and the final round could prove vital.

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Here, we round-up the best and worst of Day Three of The Open:

SHOT OF THE DAY: BILL HAAS

The American would have had a shudder go up his spine when his tee shot went straight into the bunker closest to the front pin position on the par-3, eight hole. But while others have struggled with the penal bunkers, Haas managed to explode out in spectacular fashion, holing it for a birdie.

FLOP OF THE DAY – ADAM SCOTT

A lot was expected from the Australian at Royal Troon, especially given his superb record in the Open Championship in recent years and his fantastic form this year. But on a special day – it was his 36th birthday on Saturday – the world No8 disappointed with a five-over par 76.

QUOTE OF THE DAY – GRAEME MCDOWELL


“It’s an intimidating golf shot. I think it’s a great little hole. I don’t like it much. I’m 4-over for it this week.” – The Northern Irishman gives his views on the iconic par-3 hole of Royal Troon, the Postage Stamp. On Saturday, in his round of one-over par 72, McDowell had a triplebogey six there.