The first few days of The Open Championship saw a number of huge names head home, but also an unlikely leader in the form of Brian Harman, who carded rounds of 67 and 65 to sit at 10-under and five shots ahead going into the weekend.
As usual, the conditions have played a part, with Thursday seeing the morning wave get the better end of the draw, with Royal Liverpool playing a shot harder in the afternoon. On Friday, the conditions remained steady, with Harman gaining a huge number of strokes on the field as level-par seemed like a good score.
Saturday morning, the course had been hit with a barrage of rain and, in the early parts of the day, it seemed it was set to stay. However, mid-morning, the rain lifted and stayed away as the early pack began their day's play. Here, we take a look at what is in store Saturday afternoon, as well as what is forecast for a pivotal day on Sunday.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Saturday saw a lot of showers overnight but, mid-morning, the rain stopped and players were faced with a soft golf course and very little wind. From 12pm to 6pm, it is forecast to be cloudy with a few outbreaks of mainly light to moderate rain.
There is also a chance of drier and somewhat brighter spells at times but, from 6pm to midnight, the rain is expected to get heavier, although the wind is expected to drop.
It is worth noting that the wind has also done a complete 180 degree turn on Saturday morning. The first hole, for example, had been playing into and off the right on both Thursday and Friday. However, on Saturday, it was downwind and off the left, with multiple players finding their tee shots heading over to the second hole.
SUNDAY
On Sunday, there is once again a chance of outbreaks of light to moderate rain continuing into the morning. Like Saturday, that rain is expected to be prolonged, with heavier bursts not being ruled out.
A consistent factor is the speed of the wind, which is expected to be 9-12mph in the morning and rising to 14-17mph by midday. These gusts could also get up to 20mph during the afternoon and early evening, which is when the leaders will be heading out.
