Hamilton professional Steve Alker has dropped to a share of 18th place at the 141st Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes after carding a two over par 72 in the third round.
The 40-year-old, who was 11th at the halfway stage after two rounds of one under par 69, fell seven places down the leaderboard in a round that included five bogeys and three birdies.
The Kiwi pro, who is on an even par total, will begin the final round 11 shots back from Australian Adam Scott who holds a four shot lead over Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and American Brandt Snedeker.
The 32-year-old Aussie, who finished joint runner up at The Masters in 2011, is looking to win his first major championship and has his best chance after a superb two under par 68 in round three.
Alker, who was playing with World No1 Luke Donald, got off to a poor start when he bogeyed the opening par three. He got back to level par with a birdie at the seventh.
