Jordan Spieth Retains Lead at British Open 2017 After 5-Under Round on Saturday

At 11 under par, Jordan Spieth remains in control of the leaderboard at the 2017 British Open after shooting a bogey-free third round of five-under 65 on Saturday.              

Spieth was paired with Matt Kuchar for their third effort at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, and the Americans remained consistent as the weather caused issues late in the round.

Branden Grace of South Africa moved 40 spots up the leaderboard after hitting a record-breaking eight-under 62 on Day 3. According to The Open's Twitter account, he became the first man to shoot the magnificent total at a major championship.

Here is the latest leaderboard after Saturday's action:

Spieth opened the day with a steady par before a birdie on No. 3, and the 23-year-old remained creative as he was aware of the chasing pack. He sank consecutive birdies on Nos. 7 and 8, carrying him through the front nine as he avoided bogey.

Weather conditions turned gloomy as the afternoon progressed, but Spieth was in the zone and played with control.

The European Tour shared footage of the leader's electric approach play:

ESPN's Jason Sobel highlighted the quality of the third round on Merseyside:

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Spieth's putting was not at its highest overall standard on Saturday, but his short game kept him within touching distance of the flag throughout the round.

Journalist Brian Mull compared Spieth's form to a pair of legends:

A poor read on the No. 15 green saw Spieth with his head in his hands as rain began to fall, but the young star rescued a birdie to stay at 10 under with three holes remaining.

Spieth hooked his drive off the next tee into the rough, with the passing storm overhead affecting proceedings.

BEN STANSALL/Getty Images

Once again, the leader's recovery was solid, and he efficiently grabbed par at No. 16 as Kuchar failed on the green with a double bogey.

The slip gave Spieth a three-shot lead over the field—even though Kuchar finished the round with seven birdies total—and after a poor approach on the final hole, it appeared the superstar might finally drop a shot.

However, the crowd roared as Spieth completed a magnificent putt for birdie, and The Open is his to lose on the final day of action on Sunday.