RORY McILROY’S bid for a second Open title crumbled at Royal Birkdale today.
American Jordan Spieth is three shots clear going into tomorrow’s final round — and nine clear of Wee-Mac.
Holywood superstar McIlroy is on two under par after a 69, which featured a double bogey when he got into bunker trouble at the tenth hole.
He said: “I lost my head a little bit there and made a six. I hit the wrong club on the tee.”
McIlroy, who made two other bogeys, added: “I didn’t capitalise on some of the chances I gave myself coming in.
“I definitely feel like today was an opportunity lost to get right in the mix going into tomorrow.
“I need help from the leaders and bad weather.”
American Spieth is over the horizon, though, on 11 under.
The Texan shot a flawless 65 with five birdies and no bogeys — repeating his efforts of the first round on Thursday.
That display moved him three clear of playing partner and fellow Yank Matt Kuchar, who carded 66.
Spieth, still only 23, is hot favourite to claim the third Major of his career.
He said: “I need to stay loose and smile a lot and if I play the way I’ve been playing, things will take care of themselves.
“There is nothing like The Open — walking up the 18th and feeling the adrenalin the crowd give is incredible.
“This is a course where you need to be aggressive and I thought we took an aggressive game plan.
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“I committed to my shots, had nice opportunities for birdies and par saves.
“I felt stress-free given the scenario.”