The 2011 version of the British Open has been sloppy, windy and rainy. However, this has not stopped some pretty good drama from being played out at Royal St. George’s golf course in Sandwich, England. Day three featured some serious moving both up and down the leaderboard, as golfers battle to fight howling rain and wind, only to finish the day with sunshine.
Darren Clarke was among the group of golfers that did catch a break in the weather, and he didn’t waste any time taking advantage of it. By shooting a 1-under 69 on Saturday, Clarke secured (for now) a one-stroke lead heading to the final round, while at the same time putting little Northern Ireland in a great position to claim its third major championship in a little over a year.
While Clarke is playing well, he doesn’t have the championship in the bag yet. With one more round left, there are a number of golfers hanging around in the top ten, all of whom are ready to strike. Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler led an American charge up the board, looking to end the country’s longest drought without a major title in the modern Grand Slam era.
Check Out the Full Leaderborad
Johnson – who was the leader after round one, has played a beautiful tournament, and been one of the most consistent golfers over the first three rounds. While other golfers have had better overall rounds, none of them have played a consistent three rounds like Johnson has. This may benefit him, as his constant good play may carry him to the Open Championship title Sunday.
The British Open Championship winner and a recap of the weekend will be forthcoming.