American Kevin Kisner started the third round with a flying start the Open 2022 started st andrews on Saturday.
Kisner, who made the halfway cut at the level par mark, took advantage of the glorious conditions for the early starters to birdie the first three holes and then another shot on the fifth.
The 38-year-old was four times under par and nine strokes behind the leader overnight CameronSmithwhose half score of 131 had set a new record for an Open at St Andrews.
Smith enjoyed a two-shot lead over American Cameron Young Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland took another shot back, but the last group wasn’t due until 3.55pm.
“I think when I’m late again it obviously gets a little firmer, more like day one I’d say, so I’d say it’s going to be pretty brutal out there,” Smith said after his stunning second lap of 64
“I think there will be a few more knobby pins and I think being smart out there will definitely be key to staying at the top of the leaderboard.
“I’ve always been a pretty good player in difficult conditions. I think most Aussies are for some reason.
“I think we’re all raised to be smart golfers, sometimes hitting off the pin and that really benefits us I think in big tournaments and when conditions get tough.”
McIlroy, who followed his first 66 to a 68, won’t change his strategy but is confident he can close the three-shot deficit as he tries to win his first major since 2014.
“I know I have the game. Thats all I need. I just have to go out and play my game and play golf for the next two days and that’s all I can do,” he said.
“If Cam Smith goes out and shoots two more rounds like he did the first two days, I’m going to have a really hard time winning the tournament. So I just have to go out there and do my best and take care of myself and hopefully that’s good enough.
