The third round of The Open Championship at Royal Troon proved to be a battle against brutal weather conditions and a challenging course layout. As the Scottish skies opened up and fierce winds swept across the links, the world's top golfers faced a daunting test of skill and resilience.

World No. 1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler, described the second nine holes at Royal Troon as "probably the hardest nine holes that I'll ever play." The treacherous winds forced even the most skilled players to adjust their strategies. Scheffler himself had to use a 3-wood on a par-3, a shot rarely seen in professional golf.

Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open Championship winner, started the third round leading by two shots. However, his game unraveled as he struggled to adapt to the demanding conditions. Lowry's troubles began at the famous par-three eighth hole, known as Postage Stamp, where his tee shot landed in a greenside bunker and resulted in a double-bogey. Five bogeys on the back nine further diminished his chances of retaining his lead.

Another surprise contender emerged in the form of England's Daniel Brown, a relatively unknown qualifier. Brown displayed remarkable composure despite a few setbacks, holding onto a one-shot lead until the final two holes. Unfortunately, greenside bunkers on Nos. 17 and 18 proved to be his undoing, as he dropped three shots and slipped one stroke behind the new leader, Billy Horschel.

While many struggled to navigate the challenging conditions, some players managed to excel in the early morning tee times when the rain and wind were less severe. South Africa's Thriston Lawrence mounted an impressive comeback, recording six birdies in eight holes on the front nine to card an exceptional 6-under 65.

Joining Lawrence at 3-under are Sam Burns and Russell Henley, both of whom impressed with their steady play and excellent putting skills. Meanwhile, Adam Scott, Justin Thomas, and Matthew Jordan sit four shots behind the leader, Billy Horschel.

Horschel, who held a 54-hole lead at a major for the first time in his career, expressed his determination to visualize himself lifting the Claret Jug on the 18th hole. While acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, Horschel remains committed to working harder and seizing the opportunity to cement his name in golfing history.

As the stage is set for the final round, the unpredictable nature of links golf and the perseverance shown by players in the face of adversity make The Open Championship an enthralling spectacle to behold.