Shubhankar Sharma Exacts Revenge on Royal Troon with Four-Under 67

Shubhankar Sharma, the Indian golf sensation, has turned the tables on Royal Troon Golf Club after enduring a tumultuous start to The Open Championship. On Saturday, in the third round played under relatively favorable conditions, Sharma unleashed a blistering four-under par 67, significantly improving his position heading into the final round.

The conditions were a stark contrast to the relentless battering Sharma faced in the first two rounds. Thursday's rain and wind gave way to Friday's gusts reaching almost 50 kilometers per hour. Sharma's group bore the brunt of the worst weather, but he remained undeterred.

"I made the most of the conditions today," said Sharma. "I got off to a hot start and hit it really well. I was struggling with energy after yesterday, but I'm happy with my round."

Despite the sun's absence, Sharma made hay on the course, producing eight birdies. Royal Troon remained a formidable foe, however, and a double bogey on the 15th hole was the only blemish on his day.

Undeterred, Sharma responded with a spectacular 30-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole and another birdie on the 18th following a pinpoint iron shot. He also had a chance on the difficult par-3 17th hole, where his birdie putt from 19 feet shaved the cup.

"I'm not disappointed with the double bogey," said Sharma. "We just got a bad ruling there. I'm delighted with my score."

Sharma's resilience is a testament to his character. He secured his spot at The Open this year with an eighth-place finish at Royal Liverpool last year, where he played a battling final round in heavy rain without making a single bogey.

"Royal Troon is a much tougher course," said Sharma. "But I'm happy I knuckled down and played well yesterday for a one-over. It makes the birthday celebrations much better than doing it after a missed cut."

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