The 145th British Open is looking like a tussle between Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson after the pair widened the gap to the rest of the players during the third round. Join The Roar for live coverage of the final round from 10pm (AEST).
Stenson leads with (-12) while Mickelson is one shot behind on -11. There closest challenger will be Billy Haas (-6), followed by Andrew Johnson (-5) and JB Holmes at (-5).
Contenders
Stenson and Mickelson have led the Open right from the outset and it will be difficult for anyone to compete with them during the final round, given the massive lead they have.
Mickelson has the experience of winning the major five times and has already won the Claret Jug once in 2013. He has withstood the pressure before and knows what it takes to win a major championship. The Americans looks likely to hold his nerve under pressure rather than Stenson.
The Sweedish with plenty of experience has been talked about for a long time now and this is his golden opportunity to claim a major.
While Mickelson came out of the blocks strong in the first round, Stenson has been more consistent over the course of three days. Majors though are all about withstanding pressure and in that sense alone the Swede faces an uphill battle against the ultimate professional.
Outsiders
It is going to be difficult for any of the playing field to catch the two leaders. The conditions are supposed to be wet and windy, so it will be more about steady golf rather than attacking golf.
After the brilliant conditions to start the open on Thursday, no player has shot 66, but to give a prediction, as much as it may not happen – let’s go for Charl Schwartzel sitting at (-2) to make a leap to the top with a high quality round of golf.
Australians
Unfortunately, no Aussies are even a remote chance of winning it. Jason Day (+1) though, is a big chance to finish in the top 10. If he manages to do that, it will be the seventh consecutive major he has finished in the top 10 – showing some amazing consistency.
Prediction
Phil Mickelson to win.
Join The Roar for live coverage of the final round at the Open from 10pm (AEST).
Juan Teteak
Guest
On the back nine it was Stenson, pinpoint off the tee, clever on the fairways and relentless with the putter, who emerged victorious with a truly astonishing and memorable display of links golf. Register to receive alerts when tickets become available for The Open at Royal Birkdale and future years.
Redsback
Guest
Who scores a 63 on the last round of the British to win from pole position. Ridiculous. Happy to see that. Happier to see Mickelson lose with -17.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Stenson finishes on -20 winning by 3 strokes. Stenson shot -8 par on his final round. FINAL LEADERBOARD Stenson -20 Mickelson -17 JB Holmes -6 Stricker -5
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Stenson SINKS THE PUTT - WHAT A PUTT - 20 UNDER PAR. HENRIK STENSON IS THE BRITISH OPEN CHAMPION
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Mickelson is on the green but a long way from the flag. Stenson is on the green around 10-15ft away Mickelson birdie comes up short so Stenson has 3 putts to win the open.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Mickelson is right down the middle. Stenson held his breath for second but realised the ball has stopped just before. A lucky break but he deserves it.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
On the 18th with Stenson -19 and Mickelson -17 Stenson drive has run a long way but stopped about 1 meter from the bunker.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
JB Holmes finishes on -6 to grab 3rd spot, incredibly 11 shots behind 2nd place Phil Mockelson.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Mickelson SINKS his par putt from 12ft to hang in there. Stenson misses his birdie putt but taps in for par. Stenson -19 Mickelson -17 The pair now head to the last hole.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Stenson hits a stunning shot next to the flag, that might just do it for him. Mickelson has missed the green and his chip is also 10ft short.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Mickelson eagle putt just doesnt drop into the cup. It hangs on the side for ever. He taps in for a biride to go to -17 Stenson gets his birdie to hold his 2 shot lead. Stenson -19 Mickelson -17 Stricker -7 JB Holmes -6 Stenson now has 9 birdies today.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Stenson plays a great chip onto the green, he has 5ft for birdie.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
On the Par 5 - 16th. Mickelson on in two, he has 25ft for an eagle. Stenson has pulled his 2nd shot into the rough aside the green.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Leader Board Stenson -16 Mickelson -16 Stricker -7 JB Holmes -6
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Henrik Stenson !!!! - sinks a monster putt from 25ft away to go -18. Back to back birdies 14th and 15th. Mickelson misses his long putt - taps in for Par. The lead is now 2 with 3 to play. Stenson -18 Mickelson -16
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Stenson just on the fringe of the green in two shots. Mickelson a bit closer but still both players have long putts for a birdie.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Both Stenson and Mickelson on the green on the Par 3 - 14th. Mickelson birdie putt from 18ft away just slides past the hole. He taps in for par. Stenson SINKS his putt and he TAKES THE LEAD with 4 holes to play. Stenson -17 Mickelson -16
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Mickelson too misses by couple of cm Stenson -16 Mickelson -16 With 5 holes to play.
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Stenson putt comes up a cm short as he taps in for par to remain at -16
gavjoshi
Roar Guru
Mickelson safely on the green in 2 but faces a 20ft for a birdie. Stenson alson on the green but a good 30ft away.