Ernie Els was chasing Adam Scott during a dramatic Open Championship final round at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
While Scott was two over after 13 holes to drop to nine under for the week, most his nearest challengers had fared even worse in windy conditions.
And while Els turned in a two over 36, three birdies in the next five holes left the South African only three behind.
Tiger Woods and Graeme McDowell were three over and four over for the day respectively – but still tied for third on three under as the Lancashire links bore its teeth.
World Number One Luke Donald carded a one under par 69 to set the clubhouse target at two under.