Billy Horschel steals the show at British Open, surges to top of the leaderboard in harsh conditions

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Heavy rain and winds weren’t enough to derail American golfer Billy Horschel, who took a one-stroke lead in the lead-up to The Open Championship final at Royal Troon Saturday with his 2-under 69. 

The eight-time PGA Tour winner is looking for his first victory at a major, and with a 4-under score after three days of golf, his odds are looking pretty good. 

Billy Horschel of the U.S. tees off at The Open at Royal Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland, Saturday, July 20, 2024.  (Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)

"I’ve worked my entire life to be in this position," Horschel said after the round. 

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"I’ve been in the lead many times going into a final round. Obviously, this is a major, it means a little bit more. We all know that. We know what this means to everyone. I know what it means to my legacy in the game of golf and what I want to do and accomplish, but I’m excited to be here.

"I wanted to be here my entire life," he added, "I’m finally here. I’m embracing it." 

This is Horschel’s first time with a 54-hole lead in a major. Only once before has he even dealt with the Sunday pressure of a major in the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion, where he started two shots behind and tied for fourth.

Billy Horschel of the United States reacts on the second green during day three of The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon July 20, 2024, in Troon, Scotland.  (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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But not everyone managed to play through the rough conditions. Shane Lowry, who entered the day on top of the leaderboard, stumbled on the back nine to finish