So a first for the Open. A two tee start. Many traditionalists have already criticised the idea, while others believe it is a good idea.

What do you think? Let us know via #bbcgolf,, external text 81111 (UK users only) or post on BBC Sport Facebook, external and google +., external

Rob Hodgetts
BBC Sport at Hoylake

Some more of Rory McIlroy's main challengers at the Open.

American Ryan Moore, 31, a three-time PGA Tour winner, has a best finish of tied 28th in 2011.

South Africa's Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion, tied for 14th at St Andrews in 2010 and was 15th last year.

South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, 31, won by seven shots at St Andrews in 2010 for his sole major title, though he was runner-up to Bubba Watson in the 2012 Masters.

Who do you fancy?

Image source, PA

Scotland's Paul Lawrie overcame the largest deficit after 54 holes to win the Open in 1999. Lawrie was 10 strokes behind Jean Van de Velde going into the final round in 2010 but, helped by the Frenchman's triple bogey on the final hole at Carnoustie, he won the Claret Jug after a play-off.

Matt Kuchar, starting on 10, birdies his first hole of the day with a four on the par five. The 10th has been a haven for birdies this week, with Kuch making one in every round so far. He moves to one under. Jaidee Thongchai and DA Points drop shots on the first and are one over for the championship.

Rob Hodgetts
BBC Sport at Hoylake

A quick rundown of the Open Championship credentials of Rory McIlroy's main challengers:

American Dustin Johnson, 30, emerged through the gales at Royal St George's to finish second behind Darren Clarke in the 2011 Open. Tied for ninth the following year.

American Rickie Fowler, 25, second at this year's US Open, belied his California cool and seemed to thrive in the worst of the weather in Sandwich, finishing in a tie for fifth.

Spain's Sergio Garcia, 34, clearly loves the links and has had seven top-10 finishes in the Open, including losing in a play-off to Padraig Harrington at Carnoustie in 2007. Clad in an all-lemon outfit, Garcia played in the final group with Tiger Woods at Hoylake in 2006 but faded to fifth.

Italy's Francesco Molinari, at 31 the younger brother of Edoardo, has a best of tied ninth at Muirfield last year.

Image source, Real Madrid

Wales and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale on Twitter:, external "Cheeky practice swing!! Looking forward to the final rounds of @The_Open, good luck @DJohnsonPGA and @LukeDonald."

Nice action there Gareth, not sure about your choice of club though...

Big Phil Mickelson is not going to give up his Open crown without a fight as he starts the day with a birdie at the first. The defending champion moves into the red, but still 11 shots behind leader Rory McIlroy . No such luck for playing partner Jason Dufner who bogeys the first and drops to one over. He doesn't smile at the best of times....

Rob Hodgetts
BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Traditional starter Ivor Robson on the first tee and the European Tour's Mike Stewart away on the 10th chime up simultaneously to welcome us to the third day's play at Hoylake. Nothing affects Ivor, of course, manfully standing there all day without food, drink, convenience break or time to scratch his nose and presumably the same goes for Mike. Anyway, they've got umbrellas so they're fine.

"A big-name all-American trio to kick off down the first. And while they look less than sunny, they do have rain in the States so they can have no complaints there. Keegan Bradley first, and the constant fidget and his caddie - a cross between Damon Hill and Keith Richards - go through an elaborate routine with Hill/Richards holding the brolly over the ball until the final second before nodding, moving off and Keegan hitting it.

"Phil "Two Gloves" Mickelson up next, favouring the short-sleeve rain suit and an iron off the tee, followed by Jason Dufner, who would look non-plussed if you told him he would break Jack Nicklaus's major record and be granted eternal happiness."

Image source, PA

Hardy souls aren't we? The fans are pouring into Hoylake this morning in anticipation of a thrilling day of golf. What's a little bit of rain eh? It's only water.

Brandt Snedeker on Twitter:, external 2 tee start at the British Open??? I have A/c in my house this week.. And ice in my freezer... Where am I???

David Duval on Twitter:, external Raining pretty good here. May make for a long trying day.

Rory McIlroy will hope to tap into his "inner peace" as he resumes his quest for a third major and first Open title at Hoylake on Saturday.

The 25-year-old leads the Open by four shots after two majestic rounds of 66 and says his serene state of mind - and booming driver - are responsible.

He said: "I'm very comfortable in this position. It's a combination of confidence and being mentally strong.

"It's just a state of mind where you think clearly."

Tiger Woods needed a birdie on the final hole to make the cut with a second-round 77 at Royal Liverpool.

The 14-time major winner, who won at Hoylake in 2006, started the day three-under-par but dropped three shots in his first two holes.

After picking up 14 straight pars, Woods drove out of bounds on the 17th, resulting in a triple-bogey. But he came up with a four on the par five 18th to draw level with the two over cut mark.

Players who have missed out, though, include Lee Westwood, Bubba Watson, Ian Poulter and Ernie Els. Some talent left watching the rest of the action on television right there.

Selected others: -5: Louis Oosthuizen (SA), Jim Furyk (US), George Coetzee (SA), -4: Robert Karlsson (Swe), Hideki Matsuyama (Jap), Jmimy Walker (US), Marc Warren (Sco); -3: Adam Scott (Aus), Edoardo Molinari (Ita), (SA);-2: Justin Rose (Eng), Stephen Gallacher (Sco), Matteo Manassero (Ita)

-1: Shane Lowry (Ire); Par: Phil Mickelson (US), Jason Dufner (US), Darren Clarke (NI); +1: Henrik Stenson (Swe); +2 Tiger Woods (US), Luke Donald (Eng);

Image source, PA

The rain has already started at Hoylake. Looks fun......

So soggy Saturday?

The Open Championship will employ a two-tee start for the first time in its history because of the risk of thunderstorms on Saturday.

Play started at 09:00 BST from both the first and 10th tee, with the field split into groups of three rather than two. It is hoped that will allow the round to be completed on schedule even if there are delays of up to five hours.

It will also bring us some hectic action.

Rob Hodgetts
BBC Sport at Hoylake

"Welcome to a damp and drizzly Hoylake where thunderstorms are set to crash and clang all about us until at least early afternoon. Players will be sent out from the first and 10th at 09:00 as long as it is only "generally unpleasant", but the minute the electrical stuff starts the R&A will pull the plug.

Rory McIlroy says he's ready for anything, but were his comments at Royal St George's about being a fair weather player just a storm in a tea cup? Or will the atmospheric commotion by the ocean shatter his inner peace?"

Good morning and welcome to what could prove to be a decisive day with regards the destination of the Claret Jug.

Rory McIlroy looked fairly unstoppable yesterday as he powered his way to a second successive round of 66 to take him to 12 under for the championship and four shots clear of American Dustin Johnson.

But, with heavy rain, hail and thunderstorms set for Hoylake at some point today, nothing can be taken for granted.

Have the first two days been the calm before the storm?

Image source, PA

Freaky Friday? It was more like a fantastic Friday for Rory McIlroy as he took full control of the Open.

The Northern Irishman battled against the wind, his Friday hoodoo and a pheasant on the course to lead the field by four shots.

Now, how are you in rain Rory?