Justin Rose has shared his thoughts after he successfully came through final Open qualifying at Burnham & Berrow Golf Club on Tuesday.
The Englishman was the highest-profile name to make it to Royal Troon after finishing on eight under through his 36-hole marathon in the West Country.
LIV Golf star Sergio Garcia wasn’t so fortunate after falling just short during his qualifying attempt at West Lancashire Golf Club. The Spaniard’s round wasn’t short of controversy after footage emerged of him arguing with a rules official.
Rose, however, enjoyed a far more routine day, finishing four shots clear of the number required to at least make a play-off.
Justin Rose did something important just before Open qualifying
Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after his round on Tuesday, Rose admitted his practice round on Monday was crucial after he managed to cruise through to the last major of 2024.
“Right now, it’s a little bit of a buzz because it’s super exciting to have to go through this,” said Rose. “It’s a tough day. Obviously, I made the trek down yesterday to get the practice round in, and that was really valuable to me. I had forgotten how much of a proper links golf course this is. The blind shots and awkward wind directions off your left shoulder, it’s really, really tough.”
The 2013 US Open winner also revealed that he had played poorly on Monday, something which perhaps benefitted him during his qualifying attempt.
“I felt like yesterday I played awful,” he added. “I came out here and readjusted and played proper links golf. That was a super valuable day getting that out of my system, obviously, with a good crowd supporting us playing with Chris Wood and an old mate of mine and Ryder Cup partner.
“Obviously, he’s gone through his struggles, but his game is looking better. I was just really excited to play today.”
Justin Rose’s Open Championship record
Rose owes a lot to The Open Championship after he broke through during the 1998 edition at Royal Birkdale. As a 17-year-old, the Englishman rose to prominence after holing his third shot on the 72nd hole to tie for fourth and claim the low amateur silver medal.
Despite his eye-catching performance in Southport, Rose has only finished runner-up once at The Open and finished in the top ten just three times.
After challenging at the PGA Championship back in May, the 43-year-old will be hopeful of contending in just over two weeks.
Rose also reiterated his desire to win the final major of the year. “There are moments where you just want to qualify, and I am sure that might come in my career, just to be at another Open, but I still feel like I can win the Open. To win it, you’ve got to be in it,” he added.
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