Day 3, Part 1 Golf: The Open

ROCK MUSIC whether he wants to be or not, he's here for the weekend.

it's brilliant. I say, we are warming up for a super weekend here.

The third day of the Open Championship is already a dramatic

one. What a contrast to the first half of the championship, the rain

is pounding down and thunderstorms might not be too far away. We are

told it will continue to be continuously heavy rain with periods

of horrendously heavy downpours. That's it in a nutshell. It will be

a slow and challenging day for the players at Hoylake today. Perhaps

moving day should be renamed up evil day because for the first time in

the 154 year history of the championship the R and A have

decided to employ a two T start. The players will be starting at the

first and 10th tees this morning. Unusual times call for an usual

measures. How will all of this affects the concentration of runaway

leader, Rory McIlroy? He won't want anything to disturb his momentum.

Two-time major winner and already four shots in front. He's not tell

the half-time lead at a major event since the US open in 2011 when he

beat the field by eight shots. A formidable posse chasing him down.

Rory getting ready for his tee time just after 11 o'clock. Yesterday it

was a decisive move four aright the top to banish memories of

forgettable Fridays in the past. The eyes of the golfing world watching,

he's had some bad scores in the second round. And they keep

reminding him. There's something about Friday. Making hard, hard work

of it. Rory in trouble. He's settled down, I think. Well done, Rory.

Lovely. That was incredibly good. He gets that putter rolling, when he

hits the ball, watch out everybody else. He looks completely in

control, relaxed, and we hope we see good numbers. Brilliant shot. Top

quality. Can he do it? Of course he can do it. Beautiful. Absolutely

fantastic. The Friday Demons are being laid to rest today. Genius.

Going out there, I wanted to focus on myself and stick to my game plan

and I did that quite well after a shaky start with a bogey at the 1st.

After that I settled into the round nicely and played really well. You

dealt with Friday, tricky wind, it looks like rain will be the

challenge on Saturday but you are up for it? Definitely. Depending on

what whether we get, yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I've been in

this position before. I've enjoyed it. I will try to enjoy this weekend

as well. He would certainly love to get his hands on this claret jug by

tomorrow night. Nick Faldo knew there was whether coming. This is

unusual, good decision? Unbelievable. We were saying, what

happened to the days when it was coming in sideways. There was the

famous day in 2002 when the temperatures dropped. This is pretty

unprecedented. Really serious stuff. We don't want to mess with lightning

or anything so if you can get the round in, and it messes with

television, of course, especially American television, but the most

important thing is to get the players round and get the third

round in the box. Does it matter to the players which tee you go from?

It can change your rhythm. Going up to the 10th hole, it's an extra ten

or 15 minutes negotiating your way through the crowd. You cite yourself

up. The 1st hole here is one of the hardest open holes on the rotor. But

these guys have done it before. Every one of the three Majors have

done this two tee start at some stage but this is the first time for

the Open Championship. Golf began from 9am from both of those tees. We

will be going live in about 15 minutes time. Paul Casey with an

eagle at ten. There are birdies and eagles to be had out there today.

Good weather for ducks and Paul Casey so far. From Rory's

perspective, it equalises the field and they will all have to tackle the

same weather. It helps that he's teeing off at 11am. Part of the

tradition is the reader going out at 3pm. That is part of the mind game

of the Open Championship. -- the leader going out. In that way it

helps to get up and get on with it. I think the weather is more of a

nuisance than a real difficulty factor. It will change things quite

considerably, it dampens the fairway meaning everybody is laying up short

of the bunkers. You have to do recalculate. You need more club for

that. You have the chance to get closer and stop easier. I think the

greens were easier to read this week. I think the guys, if they stay

aggressive, they will be fine. I would still predict the score to be

pretty good. It will not help the rest of the field. Remember when it

rained at Wentworth, Rory took off. We talk about him struggling in firm

and fast conditions sometimes but we don't have that today. And the

course will soften up with more rain. The problem about being and on

course expert is that you have to be an on course expert in good and bad

weather and Ken Brown has found that out today. Third day of the Open

Championship and the weather is awful. A big day for the players and

caddies who have to keep the clubs dry. They will have their dry

gloves, the hugs and a towel or two. The caddies will be vital today. You

have to keep your hands dry, particularly the grits. If the grips

get wet the clubs will twist and then you're in trouble. Sun drying

towels in the bag. One hung under the umbrella. Somehow or other you

have to keep those hands and grips dry. A glove, these are vital. If

have to keep those hands and grips you can keep this glove dry, and

Phil Mickelson has special gloves, some players might have gloves on

both hands. The grits must be dry, the gloves, and the umbrellas. --

the grip 's. The caddy will be just as important as the players today.

Our trusty floor manager will be accompanying him all day with that

umbrella. Play got underway at 9am. Half of the field will in effect be

playing the course back to front. We have groups of three as well.

Marc Warren has enjoyed a cracking couple of weeks of links golf so

far. George Coetzee defied the elements on the so-called wrong side

of the draw yesterday to climb the leaderboard on his birthday. Rickie

Fowler memorably played well in wind and rain three years ago.

It's not over by any means. A cracking statistic, only 17 times in

the last 43 years as the halfway leader of the Open gone on to win

it. We make a big deal about who is winning but it is a long way to go.

If Rory plays really nicely, makes life difficult for everybody... But

if he comes back a couple, slows down, a few guys can get a run in

and it can tighten up. It is a very important day for Rory today. He got

through a horrendous Friday pretty well. It was too important, when you

are reading the Open, it is too important and it was all about

concentration. He kept piling them on. If he comes out in the same

vein... But a lot is going on. The caddies will be important. It is

quite an art holding up the umbrella with the canopy. Your dripping,

trying to keep your player dry. The players do not want to carry those

things and it is difficult holding them in that position. It will be a

new test. He came through a great test yesterday, Frank, and looking

at some of the shots he played, obviously very relieved. He's been

on the situation a couple of times where he's had an emphatic lead and

when do you think the memories of those triumphs starts to kick in? An

excellent question, Hazel. 36 hole leads have been often tight, but a

four shot lead, those aren't often lost from. We are seeing a sense of

freedom we have not seen in a while. He started to tighten up on Friday.

This is the 12th time that he has had the lead at a stage in a major

Championship. Only Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods have had more in the

last few years. The closest situation you could relate to was

when you were leading at Muirfield. Full everything looks good. Nick was

in that situation at Muirfield and then it got extremely tiring. Having

been in that situation before, having seen how he has handled his

victory at the U.S. Open... The shot here was wonderful, a three quarters

8-iron at 15, he doesn't always play that kind of shot with that freedom.

When he plays well it's beautiful. You don't have to be... This is

extraordinary, the driver and 17. That is not necessary, because if

you go in the left rough, you are dead. You have no shot. You don't

have to play super aggressive. Just be smart with the ball. Use your

layups and plot your way round the course. It is a fair golf course. It

will not get crazy, especially now the fire has been taken out of the

bounce. This pitch was beautiful. That is feel and concentration and

that is commitment. That is more important than almost the ability to

play the shots. Now you have to keep that on situation all the time and

believe you can scramble and get out of any situation. What is your

assessment of how he will do today? I have got a scary thought this

might be what we have seen before. If he can get off to a good start,

he will be concerned most with Dustin Johnson, at Dustin is pretty

good in West conditions -- wet conditions. I want to see Rory how

he played before and go for it. Very few people can play that way and for

us it is a pleasure to watch golf when it's played like that. He will

not be outmuscled out there. He has Dustin Johnson beside him. How

better equipped is he for a challenge in the last couple of days

in a major now? He still has a couple of personality... Little

moves with his wedges when he left the club up and dancers around, I'm

not a fan of that. Whether you are playing, chasing, if Rory is in

front, it might help. It will keep him in the running stop he won't

think he is leading so it might help Dustin for a while. Technically,

some of those wedge shots, I'm not a big fan. If it was more firm and

dry, Georgia is where he got close. He can hit the ball low and is so

powerful. It could also start to swing back more. Those 6-unders on a

day like this, somebody could move up. We had news of the passing of

Bob Torrance yesterday, is sad news. We will always remember him. One of

the greatest coaches that Britain ever produced. The coached his son,

Sam Times, Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley. -- Sam

Torrence. Our great condolences go to his family. We will fondly

remember this wonderful man. Let's get some reaction because

there is a real sadness around the course today. His voice will live

on. That is the great thing. I always passed Peter Jacobsen,

whether it is yards today, we tried to do our best impression... "You're

looking great, lad, your follow-through is looking great". I

think his voice will live on. We will always remember that. You Scots

get away with murder, you can yell at people and it still sounds great.

I was lucky enough to work with Sam last week, and he was sewing me

pictures of his father in the wheelchair. I spoke to him last

night after I heard the news and his dad had done so much for him. He

helped Paul McGinley, Harrington, Darren Clarke, and he helped to turn

them into men as well. He picked the right week because this is the one

Championship that he loved. I saw him last week on the range and it

was the same. He would always tell me I did a great job! The game has

suffered a loss. We can now go to live golf on the third day of this

Open Championship and we look forward to what is to come

regardless of the weather. World number one Adam Scott is about to

make his assault from nine shots back today. Who knows what's in

store today and we look forward to finding out in the company of Mark

James and Peter Alliss. COMMENTATOR: We are looking forward to it. A lot

has been made that of this moment because it is very soft but I think

if you scratch the surface it will be dry as a bone a whisker down. Not

much has been taken out of it so far but it is the psychological effect.

And thunder and lightning might come in. I think if it stays like this,

good scoring is on the cards. Do you agree, Mark? I do, as long as the

really heavy rain stays away, Peter. It could get really heavy and

difficult. But conditions are good right now. I love the tracking thing

they have on the driving. It adds a new aspect to

they have on the driving. It adds a television. It gives you an idea

which direction they are going. Victor Dubuisson, the young

Frenchman who played some sparkling golf in the last year

Frenchman who played some sparkling in the Ryder Cup points, a virtual

certainty for Gleneagles in September. I think he's almost a

mystery man. He's very quiet. I don't mix in his company, but he

seems to keep himself out of the way, plays his own game. As a bit of

a haunted look about him. Not a big man but he hits it a long way. And a

good short game. On the tee, from the USA, Jimmy Walker. APPLAUSE

Jimmy Walker is a surprise as well. 458 yards. Not a breath of wind,

iron off the tee. That's a good one. I find it

fascinating That's a good one. I find it

this being one of the most difficult opening drives in Championship golf

but it's only been played twice from this in the history

but it's only been played twice from Championship. How it's worked its

way into being the most difficult hole, I would put it up against the

first at Muirfield with someone and across or the first at Carnoustie. I

don't think it's frighteningly difficult, particularly now they've

moved the Green 30 or 40 yards back. Plenty of people here, that's the

tented village. The patron's section is on the left, the sponsors have

their marquees and where they serve lunch, watching players, the 18th.

We have burger vans, a media tent. That's across the third fairway. It

is a colossal operation. Setting all these things up, taking them all

down. Molinari, the back view of one of the Molinaris. It is a little bit

humid. But not unpleasant at the moment. Maybe we will be lucky and

miss all the weather. Jason Dufner, no mistaking that figure... At least

I hope it is now I've said that. This par-3 was pretty tough

yesterday with crosswind but today there is virtually no wind. Just a

good solid strike, land it somewhere on the surface. Or close to the

surface. Did pretty well. Another two yards and it would have bounded.

Short and it would have been in the bunker. Back to the first and Jimmy

Walker. The jacket is for ready. I don't know where he's been hiding

for about ten years. I know where he's hiding now, deep in that

bunker. Jimmy has suddenly appeared, he won three tournaments

early in the year in wonderful style, and you think, where have you

been? Have you been the pro at a local driving range or something?

Mickelson, well gloved up. The first match of the 10th tee, Bradley,

Dufner and Mickelson. You can see how much rain there has been when we

see a bunker shot because it takes quite a lot of penetrating, the

sand, by rain. Both of this man's parents won table tennis medals at

the Olympics in 1988 in South Korea. A nice snippet of information there.

Love those bunkers. Doesn't give much away facially, does he? No. He

has a delicate charm about him, I don't know what it is. Van Dyck

like. He should have lived 250 years ago. Adam Scott now.

Poor old caddy carries so much stuff today, umbrellas, gloves,

sandwiches, drinks, water. We still have some umbrellas up and some

down. That bag gets heavy with all the equipment in it. I had a caddy

who used to fill bubble wrap with helium and put it in the bag and he

reckoned it took five lbs off the weight. Where is he off to, keeping

his feet dry? Nothing like cold and wet water on your legs. Nobody ever

mentions the poor old caddy 's, hot days, uphill and downhill, carrying

BB bags. Father and son here, the Cabreras. Yes, did very well after

his opening round. He struggled at the 1st but came good yesterday.

Matt Kuchar, he's changed his putting method from anchoring in the

stomach to anchoring of the left for -- up the left forearm. I was

working in America when I first saw him in amateur golf. He turned pro

but did not have much success early. But he's really developed into a

tiptop player over the last few years. Those flags will be wet, they

don't flutter much when they're soaking wet, but that gives you some

idea. It is very pleasant at the moment. Kristoffer Broberg. A good

week last week in the Scottish. Continuing his good form.

Somebody has played out of the trap but Victor Dubuisson is heading back

towards it. Every match as a member of the British green keepers

Association giving up their time in the holidays to come to the

Championship, and every match has a bunker regulator, so if you see

somebody walking out seemingly not caring about their footprints, don't

be alarmed. Victor Dubuisson, he has had the footprints of his playing

partner raked. He's allowed to do that. Sweet shot.

Back on the first tee comedy trio of Robert Karlsson, Marc Warren and

wily Without a care in the world. On the

tee, from Scotland, Marc Warren. APPLAUSE

Another player who did well last week and continued to play well.

Good-looking player, Warren. But not that... Look out. They look lively.

From the USA, Jim Furyk. APPLAUSE I've not heard too many "in the

holes", that's been a relief. They are more civilised in this neck of

the woods. I remember taking to the great

mighty Sam Sne, d many moons ago. I said if he started again, what would

he practise, he said driving and shots from 110 yards on the green.

I think there is a lot of sense in that. The more I watch golf, the

more I realise the importance of someone who can drive the ball on

the fairway. I agree, Tiger Woods belies that at

times. He has played some miracle shots.

There are people that can blast them out of trouble. Here is Adam Scott

at the first. Not a million out of trouble. Here is Adam Scott

away. People like Lee Trevino were not always on form but he could

certainly drive them forward. Fill Mickelson on the 6th. We saw

him in the bunker. He has a tired look about him today,

Phil. I don't think he has been operating on full power.

That little wiggle wiggle, see that? He just got it in.

2-under for the day. Well, it is raining but not hard.

There are a lot of birdies being made in the first few holes.

I hope that shot is out of focus and it is not my eyes! Jimmy Walker, in

the front right trap. This for a par. Oh, well, yes.

done. A nice drive.

Second in the bunker. A good putt, par-4.

Tucked away. Almost out of sight, young Rory. A bucket full of balls.

Away from prying eyes. I always look at his follow-through

mark. I have never seen him off balance.

He is very balanced. You are right. He hits it hard.

He is not a 6ft 4 man. But watch the power he generates. A big turn. A

turn of the shoulders. The right hip opens up going back. He clatters

through. Look at that - bang! Every time, you could take a perfect

photograph of his follow-through. Victor Dubuisson for a par at the

first. Well done.

He hole as few putts, too. As you say, I am sure he is almost

certain to be in the European team at Gleneagles Hotel in September.

Keegan Bradley... I think you would have looked good in your day in a

pair of those shoes, Peter. I must say, they have changed since

1937. I thought I saw Prince Charles with a pair of those on the other

day, or was it the Duke of Edinburgh? Duke of Edinburgh they

have given him good service. He is on the second.

The members '18th hole. It might be the only 18th hole. We

had an e-mail about this yesterday. The 18th hole where you can't see

the clubhouse. There are not many golf clubs like that.

Is that because of the stands? It is alongside there. 100 yards down

level with the club. Unless you have a long telescopic neck, you can't

see it. It has suddenly happened that he has

become a very good player this fellow.

I am not sure about this year. I have not looked at the records but

suddenly, not only has he become a good player, he as become a

Goodwiner. Robert Karlsson to the first.

Furyk's ball looks like it could be in the clumpy bit.

Doing rather well, right to the front. A good escape.

Yes, you can't teach that sort of ball. The ball above his feet. Down

the shaft. Feel it up the fairway, chase it down to the front. It is

the thing you either have or don't have.

It is an art that has died out. Everything is played up in the air.

Molinari from the sand. Not so bad. Look at this... The Italians are

known for it, masters of the bunker shot.

He holed a good putt on the previous hole for a birdie. Justin Rose is

out there. He's on the third, playing with Bill

Haas and David Howell. Quite a slow impact club-head speed.

What a shot. But unlucky. One little hop forward instead of back and that

was almost in the hole. A lovely shot.

Well, half of the players on the 10th today.

Stephen Gallagher. He could well be in the Ryder Cup team also.

Nicely. The flag is tucked behind the two bunkers. Hidden away.

He could be a good wildcard if he does not qualify. He has played

very, very well at Gleneagles in the last few years.

Adam Scott, with a perfect tee shot. Pin front right. Going for a high

cut, probably. OK.

Justin Rose after that splendid shot into the green. He really has become

Justin Rose after that splendid shot a class act over the

Justin Rose after that splendid shot five years. Everything looks solid

and comfortable. Look at that. A beautiful stroke.

He makes it look simple. George Coetzee on the first tee. This will

feel like a practise round in Johannesburg.

Oh, those bunkers. This fella is a good-looking player,

isn't he? I know he has had a lot of injuries, spinal problems but in

full flow he is a joy to watch. And Charl Schwartzel. In fact all three

have good swings. They have, and all very long

hitters. Watch this.

Right through the ball. Going towards the bunkers, I fancy. Oh,

hello! That's a wild drive. Another very elegant swing.

hello! That's a wild drive. taller, slimmer person. That

remarkable finish he had when he won the Masters at Augustus. Four or

five birdies in a row. He the Masters at Augustus. Four or

them off one after the other. looked as if he meant it, too.

That was incredible, the finish. Jason Day was in there too.

Yes, almost giving him the prize. But this is the epitomy of

simplicity and elegance. They don't come much better than

that. The ball was travelling well. He

pitched that level with the back of the trap. That was 285. A pretty low

ball flight. So the ball is still going a long way.

My friendly pheasant. Somebody wrote to say that was a grouse. I was

thinking of something to sample but they are very handsome. The male of

the species, very beautiful. they are very handsome. The male of

Oh, that is a magnificent shot! What a play that

Oh, that is a magnificent shot! What at the first, he looks like making

birdie at the second. This is Molinari.

One of the brothers. Only one player on that board has

gone out. Eduardo Molinari has played a couple of holes.

Tiger Woods is with Jordan Spieth and Gibson off the 10th tee.

We are going to join Rishi on the range with Rickie Fowler.

Rickie, comparing to the conditions on Thursday, windy yesterday, wet

today, how do you deal with the challenge? Well, playing in the rain

is never fun. We like to play in dry conditions. But not so bad right

now. There is a chance of it picking up and clearing up this afternoon.

So we have to go out and see if we can make fun of it and have a good

run. Have the two-tee starts had impact

in your preparation? Not necessarily it moved the tee time up. But still

going off in number one. With the leaders' group. Looking forward to a

good warm-up and getting out there. 6-under, two days to go, how strong

do you feel about your challenge? I feel comfortable here. I definitely

felt good this year in the Majors. And this week in the golf course.

Excited about the round today. Rickie Fowler, I called him Robbie

yesterday, somebody spotlighted it! -- somebody spotted it! Manassero.

There were all gaggle of footballers here yesterday. Fellas with nothing

to do for a few weeks. Robbie Fowler was here and Mr Moyes.

They should be off on a preseason tour soon.

There is Mr Tiger. What is he wearing today? Oh, I say! He gave it

a go. Well, I know it is early days yet

but we are almost up to 10.45am. The weather is not bad. Are we going to

get lucky on this little Wirral peninsula?

This, for Jimmy Walker's birdie. Yep, safely in. A good start.

He sort of lopes along. His feet looks to be about size 14

shoes, slightly drainpipe trousers. He just wanders along. He doesn't

look as if he knows where he is or whether or not he should be here. I

find it refreshing. He looks like a club golfer.

Yes "how did I find my way here?" Like the shirts bought in a golf pro

shop... Yes, or a special sale! When you look, this looks a wide target.

Not a breath of wind, all you have to do is hit it straight. And he

has. He hit it nicely! That was some form of wedge with the club.

I thought his shirt was soaking wet but I notice it is nicely patterned.

Here is George. There is George. George has a

comfort build, Perrault for comfort not speed. The patron saint of

Tetleys! He is a bit of a slow developer but a good-looking player.

You watch this swing. Simple, back and through. Not much to go wrong

there. That was his third. He hit it in the

bunkers on the right. A slightly suspect start for him.

He has some risk heading for that target.

Now, this is the brother that had an operation. Was it on the wrist or

the hand? He had a reputation of being a super putter.

Now to Justin Rose. The second shot. Nicely done.

A joy to watch. We saw his drives carry the rough on

to the next tees. . He must have slashed it out here.

to the next tees. . He must have slashed it out It

looked a muscly effort from that rough.

Now back to rough.

? COMMENTATOR: On the tee from Spain, Sergio

Garcia. 68 and 70, Sergio.

For years he has had a reputation of being a beautiful driver of the

ball. This is not a huge target. It must

be fairly straight. That is to the left.

Trouble. That is where he was yesterday. In the rough on the left.

Oh, you never know. Lap of the Gods. ? COMMENTATOR:

On the tee from USA, Rickie Fowler. He's been around for three or four

years, although he is still only in his early 20s. A quick rhythm.

Aggressive young player. Exciting to watch.

Still only 25, Peter. He has been around for years but still only very

young. That looks good.

A massive hit. COMMENTOR: On the tee from USA, Ryan Moore.

Now, this is almost as if he is playing golf by numbers. Very much

his own swing. It is a bit Matsuyama-like, isn't

it? Yes, if you have a vivid imagination. Watch the way he takes

the club back at an odd angle and gets it back in line and gives it a

pump. gets it back in line and gives it a

It looks OK. Only one more

It looks OK. first, now.

Francesco Molinari, dust dust -- Dustin Johnson.

That is perfect. Dustin Johnson.

When did the 5pm shadow become designer stubble? Was that 10 or 15

years ago? The idea you shaved when you went to work. I blame Goosen.

That set the trend. Were you horrified? Horrified.

I don't know why people with grey beards bother. It makes them look

100. The greens still look absolutely

beautiful. Jimmy Walker at 5-under.

That could be superb. This man can really play! He did 196 tournaments

without doing anything much and suddenly he woke up one morning and

thought "I can do this if I can do that", he has never looked back.

He has won three events recently, probably get to the Ryder Cup team.

He still has an air of "where am I?" It is all incense. Everything that

Tiger Woods does is of interest. The black ribbons of course are in

memory of Bob Torrance who passed away yesterday.

Yes, a lovely character, Bob. I spent many a time having a chat with

him and his wife, June. He loved an argument over the

technical aspects of the golf swing. Don't argue with Bob. You didn't

argue with Bob. He could not do with people that got too technical. He

got as many things right before you started, and then you hit the ball.

Here comes Rory on his way from the clubhouse. Over the bridge to the

first tee. Just in time to welcome in Andrew

Cotter, preparing himself frantically. He has been desperate

to give me all sorts of wonderful information.

He has that look about him, Rory. He looks nervous. But I think that

is a good thing. You should be nervous at this point.

How do you know he looks nervous? What tells you? The eyes, the face.

He is thinking hard. Apart from that? It doesn't look as

though he is wandering where to get an ice-cream.

I don't know. It is all so difficult now.

I wonder what Bobby Lock would make of it all now, bless him. Peter

Thompson. He won his third consecutive Open in

the 50s? I think so. Here he come, welcome, Rory! Iver

gives him a scorecard. Check to see he has a pencil. All of that sort of

thing. I am told by Alistair Scott, that there is a big box of pencils

and every day the same people take a handful of pencils and a handful of

tees and where they put them, you don't know. They just disappear.

Wimbledon towells are the same. They through it to the crowd.

Well, there we are. You look after that... Here is Molinari.

The second to the fourth. Short in the back swing. That will

do. Andrew, your thoughts so far, it is

not a bad morning, is it? Very, very good scoring conditions for the

players. For Rory McIlroy it has dampened down the course a little

bit. It is never target golf on a Links

course. But the conditions are ideal when the rain holds off.

First off here at Royal Liverpool. 458 yards. A pressure cooker of the

U-shaped stand there. The bunkerses on the right at 260 and 275. 280 to

the left-hand ones. A well trapped green.

Pinned today, right where the representation shows. Backish to the

left with the deep bunker guarding it. It is not a tiny target unless

you lay out well back. If you go in with a 5-iron it hits moor. It is a

big target for a wedge. Looking at the conditions, Mark,

with hardly a breath of wind. That is good for Rory McIlroy. There are

a few questions over his ability in the high winds, even though he

scored well in the first round at Royal Aberdeen.

It make it is more predictable, no question. He would be happy with the

conditions. In these conditions, a good player

who is playing well will have much less chance of a poor score.

It seems strange for the leaders to head off at 11.00am on the morning

of an Open Championship. So, it is. The first time, a two-tee start in

150-plus years of the Open Championship.

Tiger is on the 10th tee. I don't know if the cloning

programme has succeeded but otherwise a different starter out on

the tenth. . It is a long way away.

He is on the par-5. They are driven out and buggied up.

An easier opening hole on the first. The conditions playing relatively

benign. He is to open with a driver. We will head back to the first green

and Sergio Garcia. Frank Nobilo is here. Thank you, Andrew. A little

too firm. Ladies and gentlemen, the final game today, on the tee from

Italy, Francesco Molinari. APPLAUSE Rounds of 68 and 70 from Francesco

Molinari. 6-under par, six behind his playing partner.

Not a lot of rapturous applause. And that's why. We can see half the

ball. On the tee, from Dustin Johnson. APPLAUSE

A nice welcome for Dustin Johnson, the big hitting American. He is

attempting to take the bunkers out of play by hitting a driver. And

there is a little bit of breeze coming up in the last few seconds

that is helping the players. Played superbly yesterday, the

lowest round of the Championship so far, 65. Dustin Johnson starts four

behind. On the tee from Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy. APPLAUSE

The first two Majors of the year, Bubba Watson and Martin Kaymer, they

both had the 36 hole lead. And he catches a sliver of the right

side. What a coincidence. The rain stopped, as it should. Sprinkled

cries of support from the crowd, that will urge him on. He will try

to deal with the expectation. People think he will run away with this

now. So much can happen over 36 holes here at Royal Liverpool.

Garcia somehow trying to get away with five. Brilliant. Limit the

damage. Powerful trio moving forward,

Molinari is a beautiful swinger of the club. We know Dustin Johnson

certainly has the power if the wind gets up. And the unbridled talent of

McIlroy. Molinari and Dustin will be lacking

for a bit of support out there. They played on the opposing teams in the

2007 Walker cup at Royal County Down when the United States won. Ryan

Moore to save par on the green. It has been a series of struggles.

George Coetzee bogeyed at the 1st, so did Oosthuizen. Garcia looks like

he will bogey the first. Ahead at three, maybe we will see a red one.

There are birdies out there. The green is a little after. -- little

softer. The first, for an opening three. Lovely start by Rickie

Fowler. The chase is on. Garcia, his blade was slightly open

there, closed at impact. That is a five.

Looking down there on the leaders. Maureen Madill is down there

watching this group. It will be an interesting day today. Rory's father

but they bet on ten years ago that by the age of 25 Rory would win the

open. He wanted to put on ?400 but the bookmakers would not allow, so

he put ?100 down and got three friends to do the same and he got

odds of 500-1. What does by the age of 25 mean? Is the bet is still

good? Rory is 25 just now. He is 25, what does by the age of 25, mean? I

imagine it still counts, the whole year of being 25. Molinari has

leaked his tee shot to the right hand side. It is a very skinny green

so he sat a real disadvantage compare to the other two who only

have a wedge in their hands. It is a medium sort of lie, but he has to go

in with something like a 6-iron minimum. You can see the two in

front of the green. Even the bunker short will be a problem. A nice

little collection. Even if you get a good one in the middle of the green,

it should feed down towards the flag. You know that Francesco

Molinari is not going to be drawn into, or could even start to compete

in a driving contest with Johnson and McIlroy. He plays a different

type of game. This whole has not been kind to him, he bogeyed it on

the first two days. -- this hole. Chokes down on it a little bit.

Looks to be heading a little bit left. More than a little bit. You

can see the problems he will have for his third shot. The other two

shots, 60 yards further ahead of him. We waxed lyrical about

McIlroy's drive on the 17th yesterday, but Dustin Johnson

certainly have the same distance, possibly passed it. It is a perfect

angle here four McIlroy into the first green. This is the only hole

he bogeyed in the his 36 holes so far, and that was yesterday. 145

yards, a nice, quiet wedge. Well, like yesterday, the perfect

drive and all of a sudden, a little opportunity for Dustin Johnson. To

perhaps cut into that lead straight away. A different tournament a long

time ago and a lot of experience has been gained by them, but in the

Masters when he led going into the final round... We certainly can't

give this to McIlroy just yet. Johnson will be a formidable

opponent today. This part of the course can get congested and Johnson

is just waiting for one of the tee shots from the second but he's now

going in with a sand macro iron. It kicks forward. A beautiful shot from

Johnson. There could quickly be a two shot

swing on the opening hole. Shane Lowry with a birdie putt. He

coped with some pretty grim conditions well in the Irish Open a

few years ago, where he beat Robert Rock in a play-off. The par-3 6th.

An Byeong-Hun will stop what an amazing start. Rickie Fowler at the

2nd. Things do now row considerably up

here, hardly any wind, but what there is into their faces just makes

this drive there is into their faces just makes

things do narrow. This hole has been kind to Sergio. He made a two here

on the third round in 2006, holed his second shot yesterday. Smack

bang in the fairway today. An awkward first pitch before

Molinari here. Lots of lumps and bumps between him and the hole. His

best bet is to try to carry them and land on the green but the ball will

probably release past the hole. Very nicely done from there. Has a chance

of saving par. It'll be about ten feet. You can see

the side wall of the bunker that Rory will be in.

the side wall of the bunker that bunker player. Very delicate shot

required here. bunker player. Very delicate shot

left Molinari's all there. The head It was never going to be a

cakewalk. Nine holes, a world away, Tiger Woods. Eagle putt. The 1st

Tiger will start hole for Tiger.

17th encapsulated his problems with the driver, but

17th encapsulated his problems with got up and down to make the cut and

a great putt, but he got over it. Almost as if he wasn't happy to be

here. I'm sure he is, but it was curiouser watching him yesterday.

Peter Alliss said it right yesterday when he asked whether he really

wanted to be here. But the triple at 17 really changed his demeanour.

Just one bogey all week for Rory. It came here yesterday. The little bit

of moisture on the greens will take a fraction of the borrower out of

these putts compare to the last couple of days. Quite a fast putt

for Rory. Left edge. Imagine the possibility of a two

shot swing. It's certainly not dead. Furyk, ahead at three. That will

pour in. The open Championships in the last few years have been kind to

those over 40. Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson. Maybe we could

add Jim Furyk to the end of that. Can Molinari somehow escaped with

four here at the opening hole? It would be a good escape because he

was a long way back off the tee. Not much in this one.

Rickie Fowler at the 2nd. A good look at the pin, on the right-hand

side. Good for distance. Well, this could

be a dream start for Johnson, potentially a two shot swing at

least, if he can hole this one. APPLAUSE

The second shot certainly deserved that. Thumped the drive down there.

Reduced 450 yards to just a drive and a mere sand iron. Instantly cuts

into the lead. Four becomes two as quickly as that.

I tell you what, Frank, Four becomes two as quickly as that.

only just made it. Take the bogey and move on. He responded well to

the bogey yesterday with three birdies on the front nine. Look at

that, a two shot lead. It's actually rather nice right now. A little

overcast, no rain, good conditions to play in. Perfect drive by Garcia.

It has got to carry the bunker. Kicked forward... That's the

difference, balls are not kicking forward, they are spinning back

today. You have to change a game plan as quick as you can. This for a

second birdie for Justin Rose in his opening few holes. It's there

somewhere... Right there. Justin Rose moves to four under.

Young Manassero, wicked start with bogeys at one and two. This is for

four in a row now because he lit it up after, birdies at three, Kocher,

five and you might as well make it six! -- three, four, five. All of

the nice colours. For five and six -- four, five and six have been

giving them away. Rickie Fowler at the 2nd. This should swing from the

front of the green towards the back. Birdie, birdie start for Fowler. He

was in the hunt, even though he was a long way behind Kaymer, at the

previous major. Johnson and Fowler chasing a Northern Ireland. 20 of

distance with the 3-wood, Dustin Johnson. -- plenty of distance.

There is a clutch of bunkers about 300 yards out, two down the right,

18 bit further out down the left. Molinari can hit driver here and he

won't reach them. -- one a bit further. I'm looking forward to

seeing this because he can be a magnificent ball striker.

He missed the fairway on the right for the second straight time.

Unusual. He's been a bit topsy-turvy this week, he's been putting well,

right near the top of the stats, but not quite so accurate. I'm sure he

will have to go to a fairway wood. 3-wood for McIlroy, same clothing as

Johnson. I think they might be similar all the way round. -- same

clothing clubbing. That's that that only 17 half-time

leaders in the last 43 years -- that stat. Have gone on to win a major.

Garcia at six, trying to get that shot back that he let slip at the

1st. Beautifully done. This hole and Sergio Garcia get on very well

indeed. Bosom buddies. Eagle yesterday, and Eagle in 2006, birdie

today. Back where he started. The Irishman, Shane Lowry, to get to

5-under. The leaders are all moving forward. Once you get past the first

couple of holes, there are a lot of Berdych answers. A lot of birdies

have been scattered round, three, four, five and six. -- a lot of

birdie chances. A lot of the conditions now are better than they

were on Thursday. The breeze never got up that high on Thursday.

Sergio Garcia with his tee shot on the third. Phil -- Philip Parkin is

watching this group today. Rickie Fowler has got off to a good start

today, he's on birdie, birdie. Hit to the corner of the dogleg, 52

yards to the corner. Out of bounds all the way down the right-hand side

of the hole. Not far away, and when the wind blows, it's not too far

from your thoughts. You can see on the way down, he just increases the

angle. Plays the ball back in his stance. UCB jarring in the left

wrist. We see so many injuries nowadays, pounding down onto the

turf. -- UC the. Robert Karlsson is another man

moving in the right their action. 1-under in his first three holes.

Into that group at 5-under, tied for eighth at the moment. Tiger Woods

birdied his 1st hole, this is 11 now. Just a short wedge in here. A

nice touch as well. If you looked at his cap there, a black ribbon.

Condolences to the Torrance family. his cap there, a black ribbon.

I think Tiger considered his cap there, a black ribbon.

Torrance as a coach at one stage. lot of Afrikaans will be spoken,

Charl Schwartzel and Oosthuizen both there. I suspect Molinari will only

try to lay this up to the front edge of the green from a nasty lie. Well,

a struggle. of the green from a nasty lie. Well,

to the left. Once again he will have a tough time getting that one up and

down. -- missed the first green. Always different types of nerves.

Sometimes anticipation. Nice controlled swing for Dustin Johnson.

It's the right distance. To carry that bunker on the left. An uphill

putt from the centre of the green. This is just a 9-iron left for

McIlroy. And a high-flying, soft landing ball flight is perfect for

this pin that is tucked in behind the right-hand bunker. He certainly

has that shot in his armoury. Can he pull it off?

APPLAUSE OK. If in doubt, head to the middle

of the green. You can always putt to the corners.

JP Fitzgerald on the bag has been with McIlroy for a while now. A

soothing presence. Marc Warren at four. 1-over for his round today.

Dropped a shot at the 2nd but right at the flag. Surely he'll get it

back there. He's playing with one of the elder

statesmen of the game. Swing has never changed. And it doesn't have

to do. Another good one. A well rested and fresh Jim Furyk. He took

some family time after the U.S. Open. Now Tiger is out on the darker

reaches of the course. This is for back-to-back birdies to start.

Oh! Tiger Woods was talking yesterday about still trying to get

himself into position moving to the final nine holes on Sunday. Two

birdies and a long par, it's a long shot but if there is a man who can

dig into his experience and pull out some magic, you never know.

Yesterday was a chastening day for him. Again we wanted to see him

tested with the driver. He wanted to be more aggressive, but he failed

the test. I think he was forced to give the conditions. Justin Rose

bears down. Conditions like this, more bogeys than normal.

Well-positioned for Sergio Garcia. Still 196 yards left. We have a

gentle breeze guarding the shot, slightly off the left. -- helping

the shot. Just a 7-iron. Still getting some firm bounces but he has

hit that incredibly high. Surely it will come down softly. And so it

does. A feathery touch on the greens and a birdie opportunity for Garcia.

What they start for Rickie Fowler. There's only two players who shot in

the 60s on both rounds. McIlroy on 66, Fowler on 69 and 69. The way

he's started, he will be in the 60s again today. 184 yards left.

That's just an 8-iron. Another good shot.

. I would like to think that Rickie would have learned. He has a

tendency to be a little quick. Some polite applause. It should

should be a bogey/bogey start, though.

There is a hollow in the middle of this green. Rory's ball has gathered

into the that. The first part is uphill. He needs to give this a good

bash. A miscalculation. A big misjudgment

from Rory McIlroy! Wow! Not even close.

Is it still Friday in Hawaii? I thought it was Groundhog Day

yesterday! Do you think that the unthinkable could be gone? Now back

to Furyk. 7-under. If he looks up at the

leaderboard in another five minutes, he just may find himself in touching

distance. That putt of Rory Rory Rory's will

have interested Dustin Johnson. He raced on down there. This is coming

from a different angle. But let's see what the American does with

this. He has a lovely touch this morning.

Well done. That will be in for a four.

He knew it was right on line, too. Two more rolls, it would have made

it to the hole. Rory's is nearly ten feet past.

It goes to 5-under. If there is ever any part of his

game that tends to let Rory down it is the putting. He can be a

streaking putter. This could set the tone for the rest of the day.

Yes! He gets it. Rory McIlroy, steadis things. That

was a big, big putt. E He still leads by two.

Francesco Molinari, a bogey at the first and a bogey at the second.

Back to 4-under. So, time to unclutter the mind for

Molinari. When you were playing would you have liked to chat and

have a laugh with the guys you are competing against? I am thinking of

Faldo against Norman. Great rivries but they would not have exchanged a

word? It depends. You basically do anything that helps you and may

affect somebody else. You go back to Trevino throwing the snake at his

opponent. Something that you would not expect. Norman Faldo was another

one, he would prefer to chat, Nick would not.

Now a chance for Rickie Fowler to get to 9-under. Close.

You will find that they will talk a little more on Thursday than they

will on Saturday and even less tomorrow.

will on Saturday and even less Robert Karlsson, Marc Warren and Jim

Furyk. So, Garcia would have learned from that previous putt.

He stays in the tie for fifth. An ideal shot. About 230 down the

left half. Just to theble of the dog leg.

Elbow of the dog leg. The going is much softer. Some 20

feet away. If you do a split screen, the

contrast is bleached white. An extraordinary difference. A fairway

first for Rickie. Keeping it short of the two bunkers.

His rhythm, it is much better than what it was at the last Major.

A little smoother. It looks like it could have settled down a divet. You

can see the transition. If it is too quick, obviously the body is too far

ahead of your hands.le. Playing alongside Ryan Moore.

Hardly any breeze. That's nestled down a bit. That is his own swing,

Ryan Moore. It works very nicely. Jimmy Walker. Well done.

Jimmy pushes forward. 7-under. 7-under, what a start for

him. A nice bit of congestion. It is all stacking up. Rory McIlroy

is still clear and Johnson. But behind all these players, they are

ganging up. Sergio Garcia going the same place as Ryan Moore.

Untidy with the irons off the 4th. Galloway, the Scotsman.

-- Stephen Gallagher, the Scotsman. He has every chance of being in the

Ryder Cup. Rory McIlroy just off the edge of

the fairway on the third. It is a fine lie for Rory McIlroy.

Johnson is another ten or 15 yards up. Also a good lie. Molinari is in

the middle of the green. 202 yards. This is a 6-iron for Rory. This club

has served him well. He has knocked it stone dead a couple of times.

Very nicely done. Would you twirl your club after a perfect shot? You

are allowed to admire your work now and then. As you slow this down, you

can see every sinew. He has changed shape. He really has worked hard on

his fitness. He could have done without the extra

kick off the shoulder. He is yet to hit a green in regulation. It is

normally his forte. Dustin Johnson... Trying to ease it

back with some body language. That will be a test for the short

game. Tiger with a birdie attempt.

He's wondering why that didn't move. Victor Dubuisson, a few sixes. A few

birdies today, he will get a little more attention.

Charl Schwartzel for a birdie on the fourth. Another one to collect

there. That hole is playing gently. Charl Schwartzel moves to 7-under

par. Plenty of changes on the third day.

Happily, the rather apocalyptic warnings of terrible weather have

not materialised. We have come off the red lightening warning, we are

now on amber. 2.00pm is the next danger time for possible thunder

storms. Not affecting the likes of Dustin Johnson. He made up on Rory

McIlroy. There are birdies aplenty. Jimmy Walker going well. And Paul

Lawrie 4-under for his round. Byeong-Hun An lives in Florida, he

was a 22-year-old qualifier. So a lot of movement out there. And the

Scots, Warren and Stephen Gallagher also making round.

David Howell who got the championship under way this morning

at 6. 25am, he hit the tee shot first, he has put together a strong

challenge. Darren Clarke, he started his round

at the 10th today as half of the field have. It is the first two-tee

start in Open Championship history. Back with you at the third.

Adam Scott is treading water on 3-under par. In this group,

Francesco Molinari is going backwards. But Dustin Johnson is

pushing Rory McIlroy hard. Sergio Garcia is on the fourth.

A decent lie. Just a wedge. He should have a good idea of how he

will come out of there. He scared his golf ball into putting

the breaks on. A lovely shot. An iron off the tee

wedge and Garcia, betters his chance.

It's a tricky one from distance. Second shot on the fourth for Rickie

Fowler. A very aggressive player. A great shot from Rickie Fowler,

getting better. And Rickie Fowler is making a decent move. That for three

birdies in four holes to get within two of McIrrational Roy.

-- Rory Tiger Woods has reached the 13th.

Only his fourth hole of the day. He is

202 yards, this is playing today. Well good for distance. You can see

the pin all the way up the back. A very decent shot from Tiger Woods.

Ken Brown is back in the box. Thank you, Andrew. Rory McIlroy

putting up the green for a birdie. So a steady start for Rory. Dropping

a stroke at the first, a par at the second, there should be a par at the

third. He's at 11-under par. He started the

day at 12-under. In the next hour the rain rooks to

be a bit lighter. Looks to be

Let's see if Molinari knocks this in.

On a morning where the course is at its most vulnerable, a little more

yielding in the greens. Perfect putting surfaces, and the lightest

of light breezes. Molinari hails from Turin but lives

in London now. Johnson should tidy this one nicely

away. Playing very much with himself at

the moment. Birdie at the first, two pars,

9-under par for Justin. Looking down the fourth hole. Good

morning, Mark. I know you have been on before. But it is still good

morning. Morning, Ken. It is all very

interesting. 10th hole of Darren Clarke's round,

the first. And that is beautifully done. His third birdie in a row. It

takes him to minus-3. That is currently in 14th position.

They are creeping up on Rory. I think Rory has to be a little

cautious at attacking the tricky pins. Making the most of the easy

ones, the par fives. There are one or two deadly pins.

You must play those with a bit of caution.

Presumably they have put the pins on slightly higher edges.

It does not make it any easier. A few putts sliding past the edge

for Sergio Garcia when he wants a fast start.

Johnson off the fourth tee. That sort of opens up the pin that

is front right. But it looked to have nestled a fraction. It may be

difficult to control the spin. Rory also with an iron. There is a

picture of the hole. The bunker is to the right. Two on the left. The

players are laying up short of all of those. That will leave a 9-iron

to the green. I'm not sure it will be going that

far up. The key here is to find the fairway. That's the bogey.

He can spin it from there to the front right pin. Nice.

Rickie Fowler, oh... Uphill right to left. An inviting putt for a

right-hander. A dandy of a start, still. Birdies in the first and the

second. Victor Dubuisson. Sixth green. This

is for birdie. 1-under already, this is to go 2-under for the day and six

in total. Jim Furyk.

A cross-handed putter. He has had an amazing career.

Where the balls of Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson? There are so many

people here. I don't know how they keep their concentration, the

golfers. There were four TV cameramen behind them. You really

have to concentrate. In the end, I think it could rattle me.

Yes, it is not easy at times. A huge number of people. And so many people

seem to be essential. Microphone holders, cameras, scoreboard. It is

difficult to cut the numbers down. But it is difficult.

These players are used to it. They play all over the world in front of

very big crowds. In a lot of places it is far more

chaotic than here. Well more birdie chances here at the

fifth, par-5 for Rickie Fowler. What a start.

Presumably, Phil, that was his longest iron. He will have the same

to the green? Yes, or maybe even a wood of some kind.

Huge shoulder turn. And Ron hits from Rickie Fowler. He is only 5ft

9. He is basically self-taught. He has been having some help from Butch

Harman in the last 18 months. And Garcia has an iron as well.

Bunkers at 265 up the right. And Garcia has an iron as well.

If you get to move backwards.

47 yards. Probably a pitching wedge. He has certainly nipped it.

That is what Ken was saying. Aim slightly safer than he did on the

first. Make sure you hit the greens. Wait for the par-5s. If you are

playing well you will make a scattering of other birdies as well.

He is certainly playing well. Looking a little nervous? No. Just

coming out of the rough. Not quite the same control. The ball releasing

had to be a little more conservative.

Yes, the seaside rough is tougher. conservative.

Get a couple of stalks and the ball will not cut through. The ball has

much less back spin on it. will not cut through. The ball has

We talk about the people inside the ropes, the ones

We talk about the people inside the there is also a referee and maybe as

much as two observers. Well golf continues on the red

button for the next ten minutes. We have to tear ourselves away. There

is a news update coming here on BBC One. That is the news from the golf.

The four-shot cushion has become a two-shot cushion for Rory McIlroy.

We will return in about ten minutes. But there has been much happening

this morning at Royal Liverpool on the third day of the 143ished Royal

Military Police championship. If you are joining us, you will see that

the leaders are out more early than they may have been as they are

playing a two-tee start. And using the 10th hole for the first time in

history on this great championship. So an unusual day here. We are back

to share coverage in about ten minutes' time. Unless, of course the

weather intervenes. But so far, so good.

We catch you shortly. Goodbye for now.