Senior Open Championship: Fred Couples and Americans with Best Shot to Win

After nearly three days of play at British Senior, Fred Couples is in position to win.

American favorites Mark Calcavecchia, Tom Lehman and Tom Watson have all seemingly played themselves out of contention. Watson posted a four-under today, but his efforts are a little too late. He currently sits well behind current leader Bernhard Langer, who is beginning to pull away from the pack.

Lehman fell out of contention after being in prime position through two rounds. He posted a three-over today and now sits at par with Watson.

Tournament favorite Calcavecchia just wasn’t able to get on track. After shooting consecutive 72s in the first two rounds, he rebounded with a 69 on day three and currently sits at three over par; well out of contention.

Is there anyone left, then, for America? There are plenty of Americans in the pack, but none have shown the killer instinct needed to come back from the deficit they are facing. It’s unlikely someone will catch fire and burst onto the leaderboard during the final round tomorrow.

Let’s take a look at who is in position to actually make a run at Langer to capture the Turnberry crown.

Fred Couples

Fred Couples is an institution in PGA Tour golf. His sweet, smooth and effortless swing can be recognized across all walks of golf fans.

It isn’t surprising that the seasoned Couples is in the chase. He’s as experienced and capable as anyone on the Champions Tour.

Couples has improved each day so far and seems to be getting in a groove. Through 12, he is shooting  five under, keeping up with Langer, who is trying to separate himself from the pack.

Gary Hallberg

Hallberg was atop the leaderboard at the end of the second round after firing off an impressive seven-under 63. He didn’t start out as gracefully, though. After the first nine holes on Thursday, Hallberg found himself at five over par and struggling to do anything good.

A great back nine turned around Hallberg’s misfortunes and he hasn’t looked back since.

He is struggling today so far, but still has the back nine to hopefully turn his day around in order to get back into striking distance. Currently, Hallberg is only one shot behind Couples and four down from Langer.

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