The Open Player of Day 3: Sizzling Stricker still potent force

Joy Chakravarty 00:07 17/07/2016
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  • Steve Stricker hit a three-under-par 68 on Saturday.

    After electing not to play the last three Open Championships in order to spend more time with his family and cut down on his golfing commitment, the 49-year-old American showed he has lost none of his determination and skill as he shot a three-under-par-68 on Saturday, matching the lowest round of the day. He made five birdies, but more importantly, did not make a single bogey on the difficult back nine of Troon.

    Stricker, who was inside the top-10 of the world rankings when he made the decision to curtail his schedule, has slipped to 167th place now. He is desperate to get back into the top-50, and the final round could prove vital.

    What did you make of Day Two? Get in touch on social media and let us know, use #360fans on Twitter and Facebook.

    Here, we round-up the best and worst of Day Three of The Open:

    SHOT OF THE DAY: BILL HAAS

    BILL-HAAS
    The American would have had a shudder go up his spine when his tee shot went straight into the bunker closest to the front pin position on the par-3, eight hole. But while others have struggled with the penal bunkers, Haas managed to explode out in spectacular fashion, holing it for a birdie.

    FLOP OF THE DAY – ADAM SCOTT

    Adam-Scott-The-Open

    A lot was expected from the Australian at Royal Troon, especially given his superb record in the Open Championship in recent years and his fantastic form this year. But on a special day – it was his 36th birthday on Saturday – the world No8 disappointed with a five-over par 76.

    QUOTE OF THE DAY – GRAEME MCDOWELL

    GRAEME-MCDOWELL
    “It’s an intimidating golf shot. I think it’s a great little hole. I don’t like it much. I’m 4-over for it this week.” – The Northern Irishman gives his views on the iconic par-3 hole of Royal Troon, the Postage Stamp. On Saturday, in his round of one-over par 72, McDowell had a triplebogey six there.

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