American Brian Harman held his nerve with a third-round 69 to lead the British Open by five shots as Spaniard Jon Rahm soared into contention with a course-record 63 at Hoylake on Saturday.
Harman, seeking his first major title, dropped two shots in the first four holes before birdies at the fifth, ninth, 12th and 13th took him to 12 under par, five ahead of American Cameron Young and six clear of Rahm.
World number three Rahm conjured up eight birdies in a majestic display of ball-striking to give himself a chance to win his third major crown and second of the year. "That's the best round I've played on a links golf course ever," Rahm told reporters. "Honestly, I'm just going to enjoy the afternoon with my family.
There's nothing to be done. I've done a lot of good work this week to give myself an opportunity." Young, runner-up at St Andrews last year, quietly picked up six birdies on the way to a 66. "My iron play has been great," he told reporters. "I've just hit a lot of greens and given myself plenty of chances.