JUSTIN ROSE SHOWS TRUE CLASS AFTER SECURING OPEN SPOT WITH RORY MCILROY
Golf veteran Justin Rose was all class after securing a spot to play in The Open later this month.
The seasoned star made it through a tough qualifying competition at Burnham and Berrow to join the line-up for the final major tournament of 2024. And despite making 20 previous appearances at The Open, he was content in having to conquer a more convoluted route into the draw.
The 43-year-old is set to join Rory McIlroy at Royal Troon on July 18 as the Northern Irishman makes his major comeback when the 152nd edition of The Open tees off. And while some top players might turn their noses up at the prospect of qualifying, Rose embraced the challenge with his eyes firmly set on the prize.
After an impressive eight-under display in his qualifier event, Rose shared his enduring passion for The Open, a relationship he described as a "love story." And despite never having won the Claret Jug, his confidence remains unshaken as he still believes he has what it takes to claim victory.
"There are moments where you just want to qualify for The Open, and I'm sure that might come in my career, just to be in another Open," Rose told Sky Sports (via the Daily Express). "But I still feel like I can win The Open. So to win it, you've got to be in it. So that was key today. To come here and get the job done and give myself that opportunity and that dream."
The Open comes hot on the heels of McIlroy's near-miss at the US Open in June, where he fell short of clinching his first major title in 10 years. He's also expected to compete in the Genesis Scottish Open one week before Royal Troon hosts its first major in eight years.
Rose recorded a career-best tie for second when Carnoustie hosted The Open in 2018. He did so alongside Rory McIlroy, who was also part of the line-up when The Open last visited South Ayrshire.
When asked about his memories from the 2016 Open at Royal Troon - where Henrik Stenson triumphed with a record 20-under-par and edged beating Phil Mickelson by three strokes - Rose recalled: "I remember being on the wrong side of the draw, which I never let [Henrik live down]. I always said, 'You had it easy, mate.' But it was definitely one of those opens where it was one half versus the other."
If everything goes according to plan later this month, the 2013 US Open champion could add a new career highlight at an advanced stage of his career. And if his journey back to contention is anything to go by, he'll do so with a great deal of humility.
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2024-07-04T13:17:11Z dg43tfdfdgfd