Open Championship Drama: Billy Horschel Moves to the Top as Shane Lowry Faces Bunker Challenge

Billy Horschel heads into the final round of the Open Championship with a narrow lead, having taken advantage of Shane Lowry's dramatic fall in the rain-soaked third round.

Horschel, an eight-time PGA Tour winner, carded a two-under-par 69 at the challenging Royal Troon course. Despite a late bogey, his performance pushed him one stroke ahead of the competition, but he’ll face tough competition from six players hot on his heels as he aims for his first major win.

The 37-year-old has had a mixed history at the Open, missing the cut in six of his last nine attempts. Yet, he’s thriving in the harsh wet and windy conditions that have caused many top players to falter.

“I’ve dreamed of being here my entire life. Now that I’m here, I’m fully embracing it,” said Horschel, whose previous best major result was a tied-fourth finish at the 2013 US Open. “I visualize myself winning the trophy every night, and I hope that dream comes true tomorrow.”

The chase is tight, with South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence, Americans Sam Burns, Russell Henley, and Xander Schauffele, as well as English players Justin Rose and Daniel Brown all just one stroke behind Horschel’s four-under-par total.

Brown, who was making his major debut, was briefly in contention but faltered on the final holes, finishing with a two-over 73. Despite this, he remains in striking distance and is excited about his performance.

“I wasn’t as nervous as people might have thought. If you’d told me I’d be within a few shots of the lead going into the final round, I’d have been thrilled,” said Brown.

Lowry, who began the day with a two-shot lead, struggled after encountering the notorious “coffin” bunker on the eighth hole. His attempt to escape from the sand resulted in further trouble, leading to a disappointing 77. He will start the final round three shots behind Horschel and one behind world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is still in the mix after shooting an even-par 71.

“This game is tough. Playing well the first two days in these conditions was incredibly challenging,” Lowry reflected. “The eighth hole was crucial. If I’d made par there, I could have still been in the lead despite a few bad holes.”

Lowry will tee off with Adam Scott at 1:45 pm local time (8:45 am EDT), with Horschel and Lawrence starting the final round as the last group at 2:25 pm (9:25 pm EDT).