Jul 22nd, 2017

Jordan Spieth has the lead through the second round of this year's British Open. (AAP)

Jul 22nd, 2017

South African Shaun Norris has claimed the clubhouse lead as Jordan Spieth's chasers embark on a British Open birdie blitz at Royal Birkdale.

After two days of wild weather, some sunshine, little wind and no rain have made for perfect scoring conditions in round three.

Norris took advantage with five birdies in a blemish-free five-under-par 65 to charge to even for the championship, six strokes adrift of overnight leader Spieth.

The world No.3 overcame crazy cross-winds, squalls and a 25-minute rain delay to seize the outright halfway lead on Friday.

Spieth fashioned an eventful one-under-par 69 to climb to six under for the tournament.

Chasing the third leg of the fabled career grand slam, Spieth is two strokes ahead of fellow American Matt Kuchar (71) after lighting up gloomy Southport with a late eagle three to burst free from the pack.

"It was a really solid day," said the 2015 Masters and US Open champion.

With his challengers coming and going, Spieth enjoys a three-shot advantage over US Open champion Brooks Koepka (72) and Ian Poulter, whose dogged even-par round of 70 has the Englishman dreaming of going one better than his second in 2008 at Birkdale.

Scot Richie Ramsay (70) is fifth at two under, while the resurgent Rory McIlroy (68) is "ecstatic" to be back in the red at one under and in a four-way share of sixth with American Gary Woodland, England's Richard Bland and Canadian Austin Connelly.

Norris has stormed into a tie for 10th with his fine run on Saturday.

©AAP2017