SANDWICH, England – So flawless for so long at this British Open, Louis Oosthuizen started making his worst swings of the week as his two-shot lead evaporated Saturday afternoon.
With an hour left in a third round as undulating as the fairways at Royal St. George’s Golf Club, Oosthuizen found himself tied for the lead with Collin Morikawa and Jordan Spieth and facing a 10-foot par putt to avoid falling behind.
“I was a bit upset there,” the 38-year-old South African said, “but got myself quickly together.”
Oosthuizen delivered a key par save on the 15th hole and an eight-foot birdie on the par-3 16th. He finished with a 1-under-par 69, leaving him with a one-stroke lead and another good shot at ending his 11-year wait for a second major title.
“You know, finishing second isn’t great, so I will play my heart out tomorrow and see if I can lift the claret jug again,” said Oosthuizen, who won the 2010 British Open on the Old Course at St. Andrews.