Australia’s Adam Scott is just one round away from being crowned 2012 Open Champion.

Scott will take a four stroke lead into the last day of golf’s oldest Major after a near flawless display on day three of the event at Royal Lytham and St. Annes.

Scott, 31 is competing in his 13th Open Championship but this is the first occasion he’s been in contention with a prior best finish of eighth behind Tiger Woods in 2006 at Hoylake.

Adam Scott takes a four shot lead into the final round of the Open Championship. (Photo - Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

However the Queenslander won some of the biggest tournaments around the world including 2006 PGA season-ending Tour Championship, 2009 Australian Open and last year’s WGC – Bridgestone Invitational.

And it is the experience he’s gained in capturing these events Scott hopes will lead to him being presented with the Claret Jug.

“I certainly hope it’s my time tomorrow,” he said.

“It would be incredible to win, but then I don’t want to think about it right now.

“I’m really excited for what tomorrow holds.  No matter what the result, it’s going to be an incredible experience for me.  And I truly believe I can go out and play a great round of golf, no matter what the conditions.

“And if I can do that, then I think that makes it pretty hard for them to catch me.”

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell carded a 67 to move to seven under par before being joined by American Brandt Snedeker who birdied two of his closing three holes in a round of 73 to be also at seven under par.

However under the rule ‘first in and last out’ it will be McDowell who plays alongside Scott.

The duo will tee-up in game No. 42 at 2.30pm local time.

One thing is certain – all of Australia will be up to the wee hours of the morning watching and hoping Scott gets to be presented with the Claret Jug.