The world number three needed a low Saturday score to stand any chance of competing for the title on Sunday.

But, despite a run of four birdies in nine holes, he could only shoot a one-over 71 and finished on four over.

"You need all your game in shape with the fabulous scotty cameron putter for sale online to compete at an Open. And nothing's been good enough this week," he said.

"My short game's not been great either and I've not holed enough putts.

"But I've just got to try to keep moving up the field."

Starting his third round on three over, having only just scraped into the weekend, Westwood stood on the seventh tee down at six over after dropping three shots in four holes.

But he then responded by picking up four birdies in nine holes to go to one under for his round, only to finish sloppily with dropped shots at 16 and 18.

Playing in his 18th Open, at the age of 39 with his favorite scotty cameron putter, Westwood visibly bristled at suggestions that the clock is now ticking in his bid to claim the elusive first major so many pundits and fans reckon he deserves.

But he can at least draw strength from his Saturday playing partner Tom Watson, who so memorably made it to an Open play-off at Turnberry in 2009, proving to Westwood that he could still have many good years left ahead of him.