British Open -- Day 3 Wrap-Up

Only three golfers broke par today -- Darren Clarke, Dustin Johnson, and Rickie Fowler. Fowler's round was the most impressive, because he played almost the whole round in very difficult weather conditions and because he was going head-to-head with McIlroy. On the other hand, the weather really helped Clarke because it has eliminated most of his challengers. After the 2d round there were 72 golfers within seven shots of the lead; now there are only 21.

Because Clarke -- who was already in the lead at the beginning of the day -- had one of the best rounds of the day, he now has his destiny in his own hands. If he breaks par tomorrow for the fourth consecutive day, I do not think anyone will catch him. On the other hand, if he falls back into the pack, then the tournament is wide open.

I have to give credit to the young Americans, who have generally done much better here than they did at the Masters or at Congressional. Dustin Johnson will have his third chance in the last two years to capture a major. Last year he led the U.S. Open after three rounds, but couldn't break 80 on the last day. And I think he probably would have won the PGA Tournament if he hadn't been called for a two-shot penalty on the 72d hole for grounding his club in a hazard. I get a sort of Greg Norman vibe from Johnson that will usually prevent him from winning majors. But Norman did win here in 1993, and Johnson may be able to match him.

I am also particularly interested in what happens to Rickie Fowler and Anthony Kim. To be honest, I have always thought Fowler was too immature to be taken seriously; but in this tournament he has shown a steely determination that could bode very well for his future. As for Kim, until he was injured last year, I thought he was by far the most talented young American. At the 2010 Masters, he shot a 65 in the last round that brought him into 3d place and was simply a joy to watch. But he missed the rest of the year with an injury, and he has struggled to return to form this year. He has played well this week, and I hope that means he is coming back.

Here is the leaderboard after the third round:

1. D. Clarke (NIR): -5 (68+68+69=205)

2. D. Johnson: -4 (70+68+68=206)

T3. T. Bjorn (DEN): -2 (65+72+71=208)

T3. R. Fowler: -2 (70+70+68=208)

T5. L. Glover: -1 (66+70+73=209)

T5. M.A. Jimenez (ESP): -1 (66+71+72=209)

T7. M. Kaymer (GER): Even (68+69+73=210)

T7. D. Love III: Even (70+68+72=210)

T7. G. Coetzee (RSA): Even (69+69+72=210)

T7. A. Hansen (DEN): Even (69+69+72=210)

T7. P. Mickelson: Even (70+69+71=210)

T7. A. Kim: Even (72+68+70=210)