( CNN ) -- Darren Clarke holds a one-stroke lead going into the final round of the British Open at Royal St George 's , Sandwich , as the Northern Irishman carded a one-under-par 69 to defy the wind and rain that plagued the early part of the day . The 42-year-old , who has never won a major championship , is now just 18 holes away from breaking that duck , as he lies on a five-under-par total of 205 , one of just six players to be under par after three rounds . Clarke , who is looking to go one better than his second place in the 1997 British Open , will be paired alongside American Dustin Johnson on the final Sunday , after the 27-year-old from South Carolina posted a joint-best 68 for a 54-hole total of 206 ( -4 ) . Numbers game : British Open stats you need to know . Johnson is also seeking his first major success , although he was deprived of a possible win in last year 's U.S PGA Championship when he was controversially penalised two shots in the final round for grounding his club in a bunker . The only other player to shoot under 70 was American Rickie Fowler -- and the Ryder Cup star 's 68 was enough to put him joint third with veteran Dane Thomas Bjorn on 208 , three strokes behind Clarke . Spain 's Miguel Angel Jimenez ( 72 ) and joint overnight leader Lucas Glover ( 73 ) are another stroke behind to complete the sextet who remain under par . Clarke , who is bidding to become the third Northern Irishman to win a major tournament in just over a year , following the achievements of compatriots Graeme McDowell and McIlory , told the official European Tour website : `` From tee to green I ca n't really play any better than that . Ugly and unforgiving : Why Britain offers golf 's toughest test . `` I had one of those days where I had full control of my ball flight , although I did n't have the speed with my putting at all . But if somebody had said before the start I could have a 69 , I would have bitten their hand off . '' The popular Clarke was cheered loudly throughout his round and he commented on the support : `` I think most of the crowd identify with a guy who 's not quite an athlete and likes a pint ! `` I have a chance to realise a dream now and that would be fantastic . I have been fortunate to win Ryder Cups and world championships , but a major has so far eluded me , '' he added . The third round began in terrible weather conditions , making low scoring practically impossible , although the wind and rain did ease up later in the day to make for a more benign atmosphere for the later starters . Among those players whose chance of victory were swept away with the wind and rain were Paul Casey ( 78 ) , Pablo Larrazabal ( 76 ) , Masters champion Charl Schwartzel ( 75 ) , defending champion Louis Oosthuizen ( 74 ) and tournament favorite Rory McIlory ( 74 ) . However , world number three Martin Kaymer remains in touch on level par despite carding a three-over-par 73 , while former world No.1 Phil Mickelson shot a superb 71 to also lie on level par .
Darren Clarke wins British Open by one stroke after carding a one - under 69 . Clarke is ahead of American Dustin Johnson ( 68 ) as just six players lie under 70 . Ricky Fowler also carded a 70 and is joint third with Norwegian Thomas Bjorn .