Justin Thomas delivers his verdict on Royal Troon after three days of The Open

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Justin Thomas has issued his verdict on Royal Troon with the American seemingly on the periphery of contention as the final round of The Open Championship looms on Sunday.

To say that it has been a turbulent Open Championship for Justin Thomas would arguably be an understatement, with the two-time major winner just a handful of shots off the lead after the first round before needing a miraculous back nine just to make the cut at Royal Troon.

Of course, Thomas was the first round leader at the Scottish Open last week before falling away in dramatic fashion over the next three days. So some may have assumed that his charge was over heading into the weekend in South Ayrshire.

However, Thomas has given himself a chance after shooting a four-under third round to reach level par for the tournament. And speaking to Sky Sports (broadcast on 20/7; 17:45), Thomas suggested that Troon is fair in rewarding good golf.

Justin Thomas comments on Royal Troon after third round at The Open

“I think this course is great in that aspect. You can make a lot of birdies on that front nine. And although that back nine is extremely difficult, you can make some birdies. It is right in front of you, it’s tricky but you just have to play well,” he said.

American stands great chance of doing something for first time in his career

It has baffled some that Thomas’ record in The Open is so poor to date, with the 31-year-old yet to finish inside the top 10 in his career. He has now made five cuts in eight starts in the event.

There are perhaps too many players ahead of him for Thomas to get the job done on Sunday, particularly with the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele having decent weeks. But some of the scoring early on Saturday hinted that there is a special round out there somewhere.

If Thomas produces it on Sunday, then perhaps he is genuinely in the mix. He does not need to think about whether to stick or twist on the final day – and that may give him the freedom to post a score which keeps his hopes of a third major title alive.