Justin Rose is at it again on the third, this time from 144 yards away on the fairway he's nailed his approach and left himself six feet for birdie.

"What's over there?" asks Billy Horschel as he flings his drive at the second way left of the fairway.

It clears the path of spectators, runs through the rough and trundles close to a fence.

It doesn't look too dense over there but a misjudgement from the leader.

Jon Rahm polishes up for a par at the ninth and he's out in a four-under 32.

He's bang in contention here.

BBC Radio 5 Live

Scottish Open champion and home favourite Robert MacIntyre's Open is over, and he has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Andy Stevenson:

"Today was like the rest of the week. I feel like I played alright but things happen and just a disappointing week overall. It wasn’t the week I was looking for but after last week it was almost expected."

On playing with his idol, Phil Mickelson:

"It was great - I shaped my game watching Phil and to walk the fairways with someone you’ve looked up to and idolised, it’s always special.

"At the end of the day I’m there to do a job and compete in a major championship and I didn’t do that this week."

Image source, Getty Images

Billy Horschel weighs up 23 feet to get going with a birdie. Straight in the drink. What a start for the cardigan-sporting American.

Well recovered from Thriston Lawrence after clipping out of the bunker. He gives himself six feet for par and he's tidied up.

Image source, PA Media

Justin Rose joins Billy Horschel at the top of the leaderboard as he goes on the attack on the second - taking dead aim at the flag from 173 yards out and sticking it to seven feet.

He's not going to pass up this chance for a birdie and sinks it to move to four under. Rose looks like he means business today.

Brian Harman dominated the field to win his first major title at Royal Liverpool 12 months ago.

He's thoroughly enjoyed his 12 months as Open champion, but his defence of the Claret Jug is now over.

He performed well on Friday to ensure he would be around for the weekend, but it's not been his best round today, with the American closing with a six-over 77 to finish on 11 over for the tournament.

Image source, Getty

Two quiet pars and then an electrifying approach from Scottie Scheffler into the third green sets up a three-foot birdie chance.

Has he packed the right putter? You bet - into a share of second.

Daniel Brown picks up a par after a well-judged 44-footer hangs by the cup.

Image source, Getty Images

Adam Scott is on the charge here. The Aussie nails a tricky putt at the third to pick up his second birdie from the first three holes.

His playing partner Shane Lowry, however, bogeys it after the Irishman's putt dribbles past the outside of the hole. Groans from the crowd.

Billy Horschel's cap is facing the right way today - fair enough given the lack of rain and he's tucked his tee shot down the middle at the first.

He's only just over 200 yards with that as Thriston Lawrence thumps his opener past him, only to find the greenside bunker.

Matthew Jordan battles back to level par with a birdie at the third, which he's played perfectly - giving his driver a huge smack 343 yards, chipping it up onto the green to six feet and draining the putt.

Easy game this.

So far nearly 40% of you have said Justin Rose will be claiming his first major in 11 years when we're all done at Royal Troon.

Plenty of love on the texts for the 43-year-old as well - it's his birthday a week on Tuesday too!

Andrew

Clive

The Postage Stamp holds no fear for Jon Rahm today as he lands his tee shot at the short par three within 10 feet.

But the birdie putt doesn't drop.

Still two behind leader Billy Horschel, who is just about to get under way...

Peter Scrivener
BBC Sport at Royal Troon

In the space of 10 minutes between the practice putting green and first tee, it was a veritable who's who of golf.

Scottie Scheffler was very much staring straight ahead, focused. Dan Brown followed him to the first tee, a few fist bumps and words of encouragement from friends and relatives.

Xander Schauffele broke his stoney face, while having almost his every step caught on video, to warn the cameraman that he was about to bump into someone.

Phil Mickelson, after being surrounded by reporters, was signing all manner of caps and flags for the scoreboard carrier and bunker raker that had accompanied him and Bob MacIntyre round the links.

Mickelson then let out the sort of contented sigh men of a certain age do as he clambered into a waiting car and sank into his seat. Job done for the week.

Just a little tentative in their approaches from this pair so only outside birdie chances, which they turn into solid enough pars. You suspect that was the limit of their ambitions on this first hole just to ease into the contest.

A good reception on the first hole for American pair Sam Burns and Russell Henley as they both get their rounds under way.

Richard Winton
BBC Scotland at Royal Troon

Billy Horschel is diligently practising some three-foot putts as he prepares to head to the first tee.

How do you reckon our leader is feeling?

Despite being an eight-time PGA Tour winner, Billy Horschel has never contended at a major.

Until now.

An immaculate front nine in the rain yesterday was followed by an exhibition of short game skills to recover from missing every green on the way back.

Hugely popular on tour, these are uncharted waters for the 37-year-old who said he has "worked his entire life to be here" and has "envisioned myself holding the trophy".

Peter Scrivener
BBC Sport at Royal Troon

Image source, BBC Sport

It all gets a big congested behind the scenes at Royal Troon. The practice putting green is about 100 yards from the first tee. In between is a mixed zone where players, officials and media mingle.

I was in the middle of talking to Graeme Storm before he headed out on commentary duties with John Murray for 5 Live when he broke off to give Justin Rose a hug.

He said: "He’s in great shape and was very positive about his chances and said to me that he can’t wait for the challenge ahead."

Meanwhile, former Olympic triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards was also floating about. He said he's been here working with the Golf Foundation but has also transformed himself into a scorer and is out with Scottie Scheffler and Dan Brown.

Image source, EPA

Thriston Lawrence? In the final group?

While all but seasoned golf watchers may not have heard of the 27-year-old South African, Lawrence does have some game.

A four-time winner on the DP World Tour and three runner-up finishes this year suggest a player comfortable with pressure.

And the way he stormed up the leaderboard yesterday with six birdies on the front nine proved he is capable of making a move.