Horschel flourishes while others swoon at Troon

TROON, Scotland -- The British Open brought a final two hours of the worst weather to the world's best players, and Billy Horschel was up for the fight.

Horschel flipped his cap around to keep rain from dripping off the bill. He played in short sleeves in a biting chill to swing more freely. He embraced everything about Saturday at Royal Troon on a day the course gave most players a royal beating.

He survived with a marvelous short game from pot bunkers and the rough, and he managed a 2-under 69 that gave him a one-shot lead going into a final round and his best shot at winning his first major.

"I'm excited to be here. I've wanted to be here my entire life," he said.