Topsy-turvy Goosen still in British Open title chase

By Patrick Johnston

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Double major winner Retief Goosen refused to let a moment of "stupid golf" derail his British Open ambitions as a topsy-turvy, one-over 71 in the third round left him two shots behind leader Tom Watson.

The 40-year-old South African started with five pars and a birdie on Saturday before a double-bogey seven at the seventh threatened to ruin his round.

"I got off to a great start and played a bit of stupid golf on the seventh," the 2001 and 2004 U.S. Open champion told reporters, referring to a drop he had to take in the thick rough.

"I was trying to get a bit too greedy there with my third shot. I should have really laid up (short of the green) and given myself a chance of a five with a wedge and a putt."

Further bogeys came at the par-four 12th and 14th before Goosen ended on a high.

"I think the putt I holed on 15 (for par) really made me feel good that I'm still in this event at even-par," he said.

EAGLE ON 17

"(I thought) If I can just have one birdie going in and finish under par ... (but instead) I ended up eagling 17 which was great.