The Open: Shane Lowry admits third round struggles were tough to stomach

The Irishman began the day with a two-stroke lead but ended three shots behind new pacesetter Billy Horschel after a disappointing six-over-par 77.

Lowry is still firmly in contention to claim the Claret Jug for a second time but his frustration after a round which began to unravel after a double bogey on the short par-three eighth — the Postage Stamp — was evident.

Lowry said: “Three back, you're still right in the tournament but this is going to take me a couple of hours to get over.

“It's just hard because I felt like I played unbelievable golf. I missed the first fairway but then didn't miss another fairway until 16.

“I hit some great iron shots but just didn't hole the putts early on when I had the chances, and then I missed a few par putts.

“Obviously it was hard. I don't really know what to say. It was a grind."

Lowry dropped five shots on the back nine, including a bogey on the last after hitting a shot into the stand, while he also lost his temper on the 11th after his ball struck a media commentator.

All this came as he and his rivals battled inclement weather and Lowry questioned the course set-up.

He said: “It's not much fun out there. Honestly, it was brutal. You'd have to question why there wasn't a couple of tees put forward, to be honest.

“I think 15 and 17 — 15 is 500 yards playing into that wind. They keep trying to make holes longer, yet the best hole in this course is about 100 yards."

Lowry hopes to return re-energised on Sunday.

He said: “I have a job to do tomorrow and a similar chance to win this tournament.

“There's no doubt I'm going to go out there thinking I can win, but it's just hard right now."