Australia's Greg Norman is poised to win his third British Open title, claiming the lead after another impressive performance in challenging conditions in the third round at Royal Birkdale today.
It was testament to the extreme, gusting winds that no one ventured below par.
Norman defied the weather to card a two-over 72 and move to two over for the tournament, two strokes clear of defending champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland and South Korea's K J Choi.
"I'd put it in the top three hardest rounds I've ever played under the circumstances," said the 53-year-old veteran who won the 1986 and 1993 Championships.
"I've played under tougher weather conditions, but under the circumstances, the third round of a major championship and on the Royal Birkdale golf course, it was just brutal today.
"The wind was so heavy and so strong. I've never seen the ball react like it did once it hit its apex. It was incredible to watch."
In view of the conditions, tees on the sixth, 11th and 16th were moved forward, reducing the length of the course by a total of 159 yards and several holes were repositioned to easier spots.
Gusts of up to 72km/h raised the possibility that play could be suspended at any moment if the balls were moving on the greens and on several occasions officials came close to doing so.
Norman started the day on even par, one stroke behind overnight leader Choi.
The Australian, playing his first major in three years and first tournament since May, has credited a happy home life since marrying former tennis star Chris Evert last month with a relaxed attitude that has brought success.
He said he would keep his expectations for the tournament low and, while he entertained the thought of winning, he kept comments on the prospect to a minimum.
"I've obviously got a chance tomorrow," he said of the prospect of becoming the oldest player, by five years, to win a major tournament.
"But there's a lot of golf to be played ... I've got to go out there and play my game, and I'll answer a lot of different questions tomorrow night if I have to."
Fellow Australian Robert Allenby remained within striking distance, despite starting the day at two over and finishing on eight over.
"It was bloody tough," Allenby said.
"Anywhere within five shots going into tomorrow, I think it's anyone's game."
