The Open: Conditions the Toughest Yet at Birkdale

Winds gusting up to 35mph made conditions at Royal Birkdale "the toughest so far", according to Phillip Archer, the first man in the clubhouse on day three.

Archer shot an eight-over-par 78, contributing to a 17-over total of 227 for three rounds. The Warrington-based player was later joined on that tally by Lee Westwood and Austria's Martin Wiegele, both of whom shot 78s.

"It was the toughest day so far," said Archer. "Staying steady over the ball was the hardest bit - the ball is oscillating as you address it and you're scared to put the putter down in case the ball moves."

The Royal and Ancient club chief executive, Peter Dawson, admitted play could be halted if the wind strengthened enough to make balls move on the greens.

"We have taken all the steps we can. The greens were not rolled and have only been single cut," he said. "We are keeping a close eye on it, let's hope the wind doesn't get so high that the ball starts to move. That's the only thing that would stop play."

While Davis Love III was the early clubhouse leader, shooting a more than respectable 70 to finish the day nine over par, Ben Curtis set the pace out on the course. The former champion, who began the day at seven over, was three under for the day at the turn, his round including an eagle at the par-four third.