By Andrew Both
CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (Reuters) – Defending champion Jordan Spieth never looked back after making a “dream start” eagle at the first to vault into a tie for the third-round lead with Xander Schauffele and Kevin Kisner at the British Open on Saturday.
In Carnoustie conditions that were perfect for low scoring until a brisk breeze sprang up just as Spieth was finishing, the 24-year-old Texan drove the first green and sank a 12-footer before adding four birdies for a six-under-par 65.
He earned the 54-hole lead at a major for the sixth time in his young career, giving himself a chance of becoming the first since Tiger Woods in 2005-06 to go back-to-back at the Open.
Schauffele birdied the last for a 67, while Kisner shot 68 as the two Americans joined Spieth at nine-under 204.
They have a two-shot edge over American Kevin Chappell, and a three-stroke cushion over Italian Francesco Molinari.
On a day when Woods electrified the gallery with a 66 that pulled the 14-major winner within four strokes of the lead, Spieth, with three majors already, showed again that he is the man to beat of the current generation.
On a day when Woods electrified the gallery with a 66 that pulled the 14-major winner within four strokes of the lead, Spieth, with three majors already, showed again that he is the man to beat of the current generation.
Unhappy with his swing during the first two days, the 24-year-old found a slight adjustment did the trick, and the first hole provided a massive jolt of confidence.
“With the wind we had today it was a no-brainer for me,” he said.
“I feel like I’ve been improving each day (but) I know as well as anyone that anything can happen at an Open on Sunday.
“I got a couple of good breaks but I wouldn’t say I drew on anything except the adjustments I’ve made during the week on my game.
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