Billy Horschel of the United States waves as he walks onto the 18th green during his final round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland.
The British Open brought a final two hours of the worst weather to the world’s best players, and Billy Horschel was up for the fight. Horschel flipped his cap around to keep rain from dripping off the bill. He played in short sleeves in a biting chill to swing more freely. He embraced everything about Saturday at Royal Troon on a day the course gave most players a royal beating. He survived with a marvelous short game from pot bunkers and the rough, and he managed a 2-under 69 that gave him a one-shot lead going into a final round and his best shot at winning his first major. Shane Lowry went from a three-shot lead to ninth place. Thriston Lawrence of South Africa and Sam Burns started the day 10 shots behind. Now they are among those one back.
Billy Horschel of the United States waves as he walks onto the 18th green during his final round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland.
Billy Horschel, right, of the United States and Thriston Lawrence of South Africa embrace on the 18th green following their final round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland.
Billy Horschel of the United States plays from the rough on the 12th hole during his final round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland.
Billy Horschel of the United States gestures on the fifth green during his final round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland.
Billy Horschel of the United States plays from a bunker on the fifth hole during his final round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland.
Billy Horschel of the United States hits off the fifth tee during his final round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland.
Billy Horschel of the United States takes a drop on the second hole during his final round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland.
Billy Horschel of the United States reacts as his ball only just fails to drop following a shot from a bunker on the 16th hole during his third round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland.