From a non partisan spectator standpoint, the conclusion to the 130th Open Championship at Royal Lytham today promises to be a real treat as any one of at least 20 players are in with a chance of winning.
In one of the most open Championships in years, four players share the lead on six-under but a total of 23 players are within three shots of each other at the top.
Two Germans, Bernhard Langer and Alex Cejka share the lead with Welshman Ian Woosnam and American David Duval.
Nine other players are one shot back in a group which includes home favourite Darren Clarke and the overnight leader from the opening two days Colin Montgomerie.The 1994 champion Zimbabwe’s Nick Price is also in the mix as is Jesper Parnevik who was twice runner-up in 1994 and 1997.
Veteran Des Smyth is only two off the pace at four-under giving the 48-year-olda good chance of bettering his desire of finishing in the top 15.
Of the other Irish interest, Padraig Harrington is already on the course, and not making any headway.He put himself out of contention after yesterday’s 74 and the Dubliner remains three-over for the event after five holes.
The final member of the Irish contingent, Paul McGinley, starts the final day at level par.