SOUTHPORT (AFP) - High winds battered the early starters in the third round of the British Open on Saturday with KJ Choi and Greg Norman going out last in what looked set to be a fascinating day's play.

The forecast was for the gusts to get even stronger at up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometres per hour), raising the possibility that play could be suspended if the balls are moving on the greens.

In view of the conditions, tees on the sixth, 11th and 16th were moved forward, reducing the length of the course by a total of 159 yards and several holes were repositioned to easier spots.

Early out on Saturday, and with a lot of catching up to do, were 2002 champion Ernie Els, who was 10 shots off the lead, and world No.2 Phil Mickelson, who was one shot better off.

But Els was among those who struggled to cope with the wind and he had all but played himself out of contention at four over for the day through 10 holes as scores soared.

First man out and playing alone, Englishman Philip Archer came in with an eight-over 78 that he said he was happy to settle for.

"It's brutal out there especially on the back nine," he said.

"We were trying to hurry round to get in before it gets any worse. The putting is the worst."

The US-based Korean Choi, seeking to become the first Asian to win a major at the age of 37, held a one-stroke lead at the halfway stage and was the only player under par.

Norman, at 53 looking to become the oldest winner of a major, was at even par after two battling rounds of 70.

The Australian was refusing to get carried away with the acclaim that is surrounding his sudden return to the spotlight, but he did hint that if he can stick around on the leaderboard till late Sunday afternoon, his vast wealth of experience would be a priceless advantage.

"My mind still salivates. I still cherish it, I relish it," he said of his attitude to competitive golf.

The stocky, steely-eyed Choi is one of golf's hardest workers, slowly climbing the ladder since he decided to take his chances on the US PGA Tour in 2000.

He tied for eighth at Carnoustie last year and says that he has developed over the years a close affinity with links golf.

"I feel like when I stand on the tee box I can see everything," he said.

"It just comes well into my eye. It's very easy for me to set a target and just go with it."

Norman and Choi apart, Saturday held the prospect of several other top story-lines.

Alone at one-over, colourful 26-year-old Colombian heart-throb Camilio Villegas was bidding to become the first South American to win The Open since Roberto Di Vicenzo of Argentina at nearby Hoylake in 1967.

Villegas, who had the round of the tournament so far with a 65 on Friday, has caught the eye with his aggressive style of play and contortionist antics when lining up his putts leading to him being dubbed "Spiderman."

Yet to win a tournament in the United States, Villegas only made it in to the tournament as a late replacement for the absent Kenny Perry. But he has immediately fallen in love with links golf.

"I love playing here. I love the different conditions, I love the different shots. I love the fact that you have to use your imagination and hit all those funky shots," he said.

Among those bunched on two over were defending champion Padraig Harrington, who finished eagle-birdie on Friday, last week's Scottish Open winner Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, US Open runner-up Rocco Mediate and back-from-the-dead David Duval, the 2001 champion who has slumped to an abysmal 1087th ranking in the world.