Rory McIlroy negotiates the Postage Stamp in par, but he's struggled to make enough fairways so far today - just 33% for the Northern Irishman.

He's through eight in three under today, having headed into Sunday's final at level par.

Ben Dirs
BBC Sport at Royal Troon

As Beef disappears down the first, waving to the grandstand and flashing that goofy smile, I'm glad to report that it's actually quite clement in Troon. Manageable wind, no rain, even some blue sky over the Firth of Clyde. No real excuse for a meltdown - other than strangulating pressure.

Henrik Stenson knows all about missing out on a major title to Phil Mickelson. The Swede had to settle for second when five-time major champion Mickelson charged towards the 2013 Claret Jug at Muirfield with back-to-back birdies on the final two holes.

Stenson, sixth in the world but without a major to his name, knows he is up against one of the best in the world over the past couple of decades in the 46-year-old American.

"He's one of the best to play the game in the last 15, 20 years for sure, and it's going to be a tough match," said Stenson, who leads Mickelson by one stroke heading into the final day's play.

"But I'm looking forward to the opportunity. I've worked hard these first three days to put myself in this situation and, once again, going to try my hardest to finish the job." 

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Bill Haas gets an unwanted distraction. He's just about the pitch up to the first flag and his bag falls over. Where's that caddy when you need him?

Beef is in the rough to the left around 100 yards from the pin, he takes the wedge and lands that about 20 feet from the cup. Incidentally, he's got Gordon Faulkner on his bag, a man who spent two years with Rory McIlroy - plenty of experience there, then.

Here come our lead group. They are on the way to the first tee. The next few hours of their lives will be replayed again and again in their minds. Good or bad, it'll stick.

A lot of "go on Henrik" calls near the first tee as he waits for Phil Mickelson to arrive.

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So what sort of score is achievable out there today? The best mark on the day so far is three under, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Lee Westwood can all lay claim to it.

Darren Clarke is showing even the back nine can be tamed as a third straight birdie gets him to one over - a solid stroke from five feet gets it done.

There are scores, but there are nightmares out there too - Welshman Jamie Donaldson is home in plus eight for the day, +13 for the tournament.

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Stick with us John, we have you covered.

Phil Mickelson's record-equaling 63 on the first day at Royal Troon seems almost a lifetime ago as he heads into Sunday's final round one off the pace.

He shot 69 on Friday, and admitted to struggling at times during a one under par 70 on Saturday. Can Lefty rediscover Thursday's form? He certainly hopes so. 

"I'd love to play the final round the way I did the first two and give myself a shot," said the 46-year-old. 

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How many of you would have been familiar with the man named Beef on Thursday morning before he headed out Royal Troon? Let alone have backed him to be in the top four come Sunday's finale?

Well, Andrew Johnston has been one of the stories of this week's golf. The Londoner has captivated fans, journalists and his fellow professionals with a meaty mass of beard accompanying a schoolboy grin and a laid-back attitude around the course.

But this boy can play, too. Overawed? Not a chance, Beef has casually and almost nonchalantly gone about his business this week.

As not to break character, he turns up to the tee box chewing a tooth pick and withdraws it only to acknowledge the cries of 'Beeeeef'.

He's up and running.

Ben Dirs
BBC Sport at Royal Troon

Queue building nicely for the first tee as Andrew 'Beef' Johnston is about to hit the course. 

It is perhaps an indictment of modern sport that a man who looks like he's heartily enjoying what he does has become such a cult figure. Roars of 'BEEF!' as the Londoner appears, we'll be hearing that all afternoon.

Time to change that, Henrik?

Henrik Stenson is wandering across the practice area with tin foil in his hand, that looks like a sandwich to me. "Thanks, thanks, thanks," he replies to several well wishers.

Everyone wants to be your pal when you lead a major.

Not everyone knows who Beef is yet....

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"This is game number 39, on the tee from the USA, Steve Stricker."

This man can putt. I recall he was once tutoring a certain Tiger Woods on how to make things better on the greens.

He's 49, plays when he wants these days and came second at the St. Jude Classic recently. He is three under and a few big putts could get him going. Stricker always looks great when he gets some momentum.

Fairway with his drive and JB Holmes follows suit. 

Andrew 'Beef' Johnston is fourth going into the final round.

Speaking to Radio 5 live he said: "I am feeling good, I have done exactly the same as I have done the last few days. I have had some food and I am now ready to warm up.

"I had a couple of cups of tea and dinner last night, a good sleep. Woke up at 9am and have come here, I have not had much time to think.

"I just need to make sure I concentrate on every shot. I have worked hard, so what will be, will be.

"You have to have that switch on button, when I get to my shot I am ready to go. My caddie is good and tells me to concentrate. When I take the shot I am in the zone. But once I have hit it and hear people shout 'Beef', I will acknowledge them and I enjoy that.

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On his chances of being the first Englishman since 1992 to win The Open.

"You never know," added Beef. "You have to believe and back yourself. I know I am quite behind but I am not thinking too much about that."

As Press Association golf correspondent Phil Casey points out, that was in fact Jordan Spieth's first sub-par round at a major since the first day at the Masters - a first in 11 rounds.

This sounds amazing, do you have nine holes in your back garden? Tweet us more pictures of this Jackie.

A photo has just emerged of our man Ged Scott hanging round the first tee yesterday, in the hope that he could sneak in as a replacement if namesake Adam failed to show.

Unfortunately for Ged his Australian 'cousin' soon sauntered on to the first tee.

Seventeen-handicapper Ged said: "He played like me going down the first, flopping his wedge approach into the sand, three-putting and running up a double bogey on his way to a five-over 76."

With this in mind, send us your best sporting photos? Have you ever got close to one of your favourite stars? Bonus points for golf ones.

Image source, BBC Sport

Which one of our stellar front group will submit? 

Let's hope they go at it. Blow for blow.

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