He was only two shots adrift of the Open's lowest ever nine holes which was the 28 set by Denis Durnian at Royal Birkdale in 1983 and just one behind the St Andrews best nine as he finished on a round of seven-under par 67.

But Azinger did drop a shot on the 12th and then another on the 14th to be left on five under for the day.

Azinger, who survived a battle against cancer, was pleased with his comeback after a inauspicious start to his Open campaign.

"It was one of those things," said Azinger after remarking on his spectacular run of birdies.

"It was a funny week for me, the first few days were a bit iffy.

"It's been a long time since I've hit the ball so solid. It was quite a pleasant surprise."

Fellow American Davis Love III went out on two under but picked up eight strokes before bogeying to finish on a round of 67, seven-under par.