By Jon Fisher, PA International, Muirfield

Greg Norman believes poor form with the putter is the reason why he has failed to mount a challenge at Muirfield this week.

The Australian shot a level-par 71 today to remain at one over for the tournament, seven shots behind the overnight leaders.

Norman admitted he was hitting the ball well enough but that his game faltered when he reached the green.

"I'm disappointed overall as I feel like I have played fairly solid, hit a lot of fairways, hit a lot of greens but there has been way too many putts and that's where my problem is," said the former Open champion.

He aims to remedy that tomorrow, although he is realistic enough to know that it would take something special for him to claim the Claret Jug.

"I'd like to see a few more putts go down but we'll have to wait to see what the weather is like before we can assess anybody's chances," he added.

"If everyone stays around six under, which I doubt, I'm going to have to shoot a really low score to even have a chance."

As for the conditions, which are unpredictable to say the least, Norman claims early this morning was a great time to play.

"It was a dead easy day apart from the last three holes when the wind got up. We waited all morning for a strong northerly wind but the golf course is so soft it's giving up a lot.

"If the guys can get the ball in play they should shoot some pretty low scores."