Brian Harman dreaming of Open glory after taking five-shot lead into final day

Brian Harman admitted it would be foolish not to think about winning his maiden major title as he headed into the final day at Royal Liverpool with a five-shot lead.

Only two players in history have squandered such an advantage after 54 holes, Macdonald Smith in the last Open staged at Prestwick in 1925 and Jean van de Velde at Carnoustie in 1999.

Harman, who led by one at the same stage of the 2017 US Open before finishing second behind Brooks Koepka, said: “You’d be foolish not to envision (lifting the Claret Jug) and I’ve thought about winning majors for my whole entire life.

“It’s the whole reason I work as hard as I do and why I practise as much as I do and why I sacrifice as much as I do.

“If that’s going to come to fruition for me (on Sunday), it has to be all about the golf. It has to be execution and just staying in the moment.”

Harman’s nearest challenger was fellow American and last year’s runner-up Cameron Young, with Masters champion Jon Rahm another stroke back after storming through the field with a flawless 63.

Home favourite Tommy Fleetwood was part of a five-strong group, which included Viktor Hovland and Jason Day, starting the final round seven off the pace.

Right in the heart.As the rain continues to pour, the volume goes up.Antoine Rozner gets the crowd going with a brilliant pitch. pic.twitter.com/uJYDEam1TT

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2023

Antoine Rozner carded his second 67 of the week with the aid of an eagle on the par-five 15th.

A brilliant round from Jon Rahm to shoot the lowest score in an Open at Hoylake.He is now just three shots off Brian Harman's lead.

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2023

Rahm only made the cut with a shot to spare, but stormed into contention thanks to a stunning 63,