Despite an AI-generated image on local shuttle buses depicting him holding the Claret Jug, Tommy Fleetwood's quest for an Open Championship title at Royal Birkdale faced a hurdle on Saturday.
Fleetwood, a local favorite, carded a third-round 69, but a couple of late bogeys pushed him five shots behind the leader, American Sam Burns. Burns posted a five-under 65 and holds a two-shot advantage over Ryan Fox of New Zealand and Kim Si-woo of South Korea heading into the final round.
American star Bryson DeChambeau is also in contention, sitting four shots behind Burns after a one-under 69. DeChambeau had two shots dramatically deducted on Friday but remains one of the few players in the top 10 with major championship winning experience.
Fleetwood, who as a child used to sneak onto the Royal Birkdale course, expressed his persistent belief in winning the championship.
"I've done it most days since I was seven years old and it still hasn't stopped," Fleetwood said. "That's what life's about, right? You daydream and you dream about the biggest things possible. Then you try and make it a reality."
The leaderboard remains tight, suggesting an open competition for the title on Sunday.
