With drama building at every hole, Watson, 2 others tied for lead of improbable British Open

Watson, 2 others tied for lead at dramatic Open

TURNBERRY, Scotland — Tom Watson, trying to become the oldest major champion in golf history, was in a three-way tie for the British Open lead with six holes remaining.

The 59-year-old Watson struggled to a 37 on the front side, giving away the one-shot lead he had after 54 holes. England’s Lee Westwood led by two at the turn over Watson and his playing partner, Mathew Goggin of Australia.

But Westwood bogeyed the 10th and Watson made his longest putt of the day at No. 11, rolling in a 25-footer for birdie. That created a deadlock at 3 under that also included Goggin.

Watson is a five-time Open champion who would easily be the oldest golfer ever to win a major. Julius Boros was 48 when he captured the 1968 PGA Championship.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

TURNBERRY, Scotland (AP) — England’s Lee Westwood had a two-shot lead on Tom Watson midway through the final round of the British Open.

Westwood birdied the sixth to pull into a tie for the top spot Sunday, then pulled off a brilliant second shot at No. 7 that stopped about 15 feet from the hole. He rolled in the eagle putt to push his score to 4 under — two ahead of Watson.

The 59-year-old Watson got a shot back with a birdie at No. 7, but an errant tee shot two holes later led to a bogey that restored Westwood’s two-stroke lead.

Watson is a five-time Open champion trying to become the oldest major winner in golf history.

Australia’s Mathew Goggin, playing with Watson in the final group, also was two strokes back.