Golf: Rose blossoms in school race

Thursday 17 September 1998 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

JUSTIN ROSE produced the best pressure round of his life today to qualify for the European Tour School in Spain in November.

The 18-year-old from Hampshire fired a five-under-par 67 at Chart Hills in Kent to finish on 215 - one under par for three rounds - good enough to secure ninth place with 10 school spots on offer.

Rose, who has struggled since turning professional following his fourth- place finish at the Open, was elated. "It could have been one of those days when I put in a great effort and just fell short," Rose said. "But I guess you could say everything was rosy.

"I didn't put too much pressure on myself. I knew there was another pre- qualifier but if you keep thinking you've got another chance then you run out of chances. I knew today was my day and I was really focused on going for it."

After shooting two rounds of 74, Rose showed his true quality in a round with five birdies and no dropped shots. Four over par at the start, Rose began steadily with a series of pars, chipping and holing out from six foot at the par-three 11th - his second hole of the day.

At the par-four 13th, where he found water on his second round, Rose's drive was exemplary, and on a windless day his long game was so far showing no signs of the hooking that plagued him previously.

Rose's birdie came at the par-five 12th where an excellent tee-shot and precise drive left him with a putt of just three feet. After six holes, Rose was one under for his round and three over for the tournament.

"I was mentally prepared," he said. "I'm a better player when I have a target to aim for - more fiery and it helps. Sometimes you can be too laid-back."

The German Masters in Cologne next week could see Rose secure his tour card with a top-four finish. But the star of this year's Open is keeping his feet on the ground.

"Things went for me, when before luck hasn't always been on my side since I turned pro," he said. "The main thing for me was to get to final qualifying, because at least when you're there even if things go badly you still have some options.

"I'm looking forward to Germany next week and in October I might go out to Lake Nona in Florida and stay with a friend of mine."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in