The Open 2018: Tommy Fleetwood vows to use Carnoustie experience to haul in leaders

Fleetwood began the third round at Carnoustie just a shot off the lead but ended it four behind the leaders

Tommy Fleetwood will draw on memories of his feats of low scoring as he battles to win a first major title in the 147th Open Championship.

Fleetwood began the third round at Carnoustie just a shot off the lead but ended it four behind defending champion Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele and Kevin Kisner after struggling to a level-par 71.

However, the 27-year-old is the course record holder at Carnoustie after carding a 63 in last year's Dunhill Links Championship and also shot the same score - equalling the lowest in tournament history - in the final round of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills last month.

"That's the good thing, that I can draw on the fact that I have low rounds in me and success on this golf course," Fleetwood said.

"I would love to have been a shot closer and that would feel a bit more in reach but you never know, it's a major and the wind is supposed to pick up tomorrow and if you are there or thereabouts you're never quite out of it.

"I will need help from other people but at least on a scrappy day I have stayed in there."

Fleetwood briefly enjoyed a six-way share of the lead that included 14-time major winner Tiger Woods when he birdied the second, but bogeyed the sixth and carded four birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey on a rollercoaster back nine.

"I've never been out this late or competed like this in an Open before," Fleetwood added. "So it was new experiences for me but something that was absolutely brilliant. Having that home crowd that you get and the support, nothing beats that.

Fleetwood has good memories of Carnoustie (Getty Images)

"I actually felt the most comfortable I've been with my swing all week. I felt more comfortable than yesterday. Just shows what can go into scoring in this silly game."