Cream of the crop

SPIETH’S ON TOP AFTER CLOSE SHAVE AT BARBER

JORDAN SPIETH wants to avoid another close shave at The Open after getting his hair cut too short in Carnoustie.

The defending champion shot a bogey-free 65 to share the lead with fellow Americans Xander

Schauffele and Kevin Kisner.

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are all four shots back.

Spieth’s day started with a trip to a local barbers before eagling his first hole.

“My hair got a little long, and I needed to get a haircut, so I did this morning,” he said. “I paid £20, I think. It was like

a £9 haircut, and I tipped them. I don’t know where I went – and I don’t think he knew who I was.

“He went a little high and tight. Very British haircut. A little shaved on the sides, a little longer on top. It is what it is. Summertime, it works out.”

Spieth won the Claret Jug in thrilling style last year after getting a penalty drop in the lorry park at the 13th.

The American, who blew a big lead at the 2016 Masters, said: “I know as well as anyone that anything can happen on the last day of a Major. And I know how difficult the last few holes are with 20mph winds forecast for tomorrow. But I hope to make it as boring as possible.”

Woods briefly topped a Major leaderboard for the first time since the 2013 Masters as he shot a brilliant 66 – his best score at The Open since his last win at Hoylake in 2006.

He has won all 14 of his

Majors leading going into the final round but he said: “I have got a shot. The forecast is for it to get up. I hope it proves right.”

Spieth added: “The way Tiger’s striking those 2 or 3 irons, he’s going to be in it tomorrow.

“I’ve always wanted to battle it out in a Major with Tiger.”

HE’S A CUT ABOVE Joint leader Jordan Spieth, with his newhaircut (right), is looking to defend hisOpen title today