Updated 17:25
RORY MCILROY IS two shots clear of Sergio Garcia with five holes to play of the Open Championship.
Shane Lowry proved to those chasing McIlroy that low-scoring is possible on the final round of The Open at Hoylake. The county Offaly golfer (-10) has a share of sixth place after seven birdies in a mistake free final round.
The same cannot be said for McIlroy (-16) who, despite opening with a birdie, has seen his lead halved to three after bogeys at hole five and six. He birdied nine and 10 to settle his nerves but dropped another shot on 13 after a wayward drive off the tee.
Sergio Garcia (-14) is McIlroy’s closest challenger with three birdies in his opening seven holes while while Rickie Fowler is in third spot on -12.
Lowry’s was not the only low-scoring performance of the day as England’s Chris Wood also shot a 65 to move to -5 for the tournament.
Thomas Bjorn (-4), Brendon Todd (-1) and Koumie Oda (-1) were among a host of golfers to make the most of near perfect conditions at Royal Liverpool to shoot five under par 67s while US Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson shot a four under 68, not bad for a 64-year old.
Graeme McDowell (-8) is three under for his final round after 16 while Darren Clarke is down to -3 through 16 holes.
Germany’s Martin Kaymer (+8), however, had a day to forget with a seven over par final round.
– First published at 14:48 (additional reporting by Patrick McCarry)
Impressive info given the spread of matches that has to be covered. Keep it up please !!