Storming Norman produces powerful Birkdale script

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - In the absence of world number one Tiger Woods through injury, Greg Norman has delivered a powerful and unexpected storyline at the British Open.

A part-time golfer now aged 53, the Australian overshadowed the game's best players by taking a two-shot lead after Saturday's third round and is poised to win a third major title 15 years after his last.

Norman, bidding to become golf's oldest major champion, decided to play at Royal Birkdale only two months ago in order to prepare for next week's British Senior Open at Royal Troon.

"I came here to practice and get ready for the next couple of weeks," he told reporters after taking control with a two-over-par 72 in gale-force winds.

"Obviously I've practised and put myself in position for this week. To experience the British Open the way we have this week on a great golf course like this has obviously tuned me up both mentally and physically.

"But if Troon is like this then I will really be tired at the end of next week."

Asked what he would have said if told three months ago he would hold the 54-hole lead at Birkdale, he replied with a smile: "Oh, really?".

A winner of 78 tournaments in 13 countries, Norman conceded his mindset was totally different from when he reigned as the game's top player.