The salmon pinks strides from Friday were discarded in favour of what can only be described as a cross between something a court jester would don or part of a ‘Black and White Minstrels’ uniform.
Yes, Jesper Parnevik has teed off in his final round of the Open at Lytham in what are the most ridiculous pair of trousers.And the in initial reaction from these quarters was, should he go on and lift the Claret Jug around 7p.m. this evening how will people take him seriously.
But seriously they will, and right now the Swede is one of the heavyweights capable of striding away, (excuse the pun) from an otherwise bunched-up group at the top of the leaderboard.He has already finished runner-up twice, in 1994 and 1997 and certainly has the experience to go one better this time.
Parnevik, playing alongside fellow Swede Pierre Fulke started with a par at the opening hole and remained five-under, one off the pace.
Ireland’s Padraig Harrington completed his Open Championship moments ago and despite carding a level par round, there were too many inconsistencies this week for the Dubliner to contend. He eventually signed off for a two-over par total 286.
"Overall, I played 26 holes well this week,18 on Friday and the last eight today," was the honest assessment of the week by Harrington.
"This is a great golf course which stands up against any other course.It’s intimidating but fair.
He made it clear which area he needs to look at to overcome his indifferent form: "There is nothing wrong with my game, just my head needs sorting out."
American Bob Estes, who finished eighth at St Andrews in 1995, carded the low round of the day thus far.The 35-year-old shot 66 to finish one-under overall.
Davis Love III shot one-more than Estes and threatened the overnight leaders for a time.The 37-year-old went out in just 30 shots but limped home with a one-over 37 inward half to finish three-under for the Championship.