Norman insists that they'll all be back again

Greg Norman returned to Carnoustie in search of a third Open title today - and insisted all the players would be back despite their mauling.

The 44-year-old's one under par 70 on another day when scores were sky high gave him real hope of adding to his wins at Turnberry in 1986 and Sandwich in 1993.

And despite falling victim himself to the knee high rough in spectacular fashion with an air shot, Norman predicted most of the players wouldn't be put off returning to the Open in future.

The air shot came when Norman, having just had a hat-trick of birdies from the 12th, missed the 17th fairway by just three yards.

His ball was in such a horrible lie in the rough that he could not even see it as he tried to hack it out.

"I don't know what happened," he said. "Either the club went right underneath or the club never reached the ball.

"I don't think hitting a tee shot off the fairway by nine feet deserves something like that. I don't think that's the way the game of golf should be played.

"The last time I had an air shot was at an Australian Open about 10 years ago, and I had two in a row. But I was in the trees and on my knees then.

"(But) I think you'll always get the players coming back.

"The British Open is too steeped in history and there's too much tradition. I still think it is the greatest championship.

"At the end of the day we'll probably wake up on Monday morning and say God, I had a lot of fun.' But right now in the heat of the moment we don't like it."

Despite the air shot, Norman began the third round just three off the lead held by France's Jean Van de Velde after a 68, the best round of the championship so far.

Argentinian Angel Cabrera was a shot off the lead after a 69 with Sweden's Jesper Parnevik, twice an Open runner up on three over after a level par 71.

World number one Tiger Woods was ominously poised alongside Norman on four over 146 and characteristically optimistic about his chances.

"I am in very good shape to win. I played solidly again and even for the bogeys I hit good shots.

"You have to be pretty inventive out there, but I like that. I've always enjoyed playing in terrible conditions.

"You have to be more creative and use your repertoire of shots and not be afraid to trust your instincts."

Aberdeen's Paul Lawrie, sixth in 1993 behind Norman, remains the leading Briton. He added a 74 to his opening 73 to stand five over, just four behind.

Colin Montgomerie was unnecessarily gloomy about his prospects after a 76 sent him back to eight over.

Lee Westwood, one further adrift, reckons that anybody surviving the cut still has a chance because of all the bizarre things that can happen.

He was partnering Norman and said: "That showed you. He was playing great and all of a sudden he takes a seven."

Another Scot, Andrew Coltart, is six over following a 74, while Ryder Cup captain Mark James, describing his form as "diabolical", is nevertheless alongside Montgomerie, as is Ian Woosnam, winner of the Scottish Open at the course in 1996.