Rock aims to stay on a roll until the Masters
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.One weekend you are beating Tiger Woods, the next you are sleeping on the M25. There are some things Robert Rock has not been able to account for as he returns to the Arabian Desert to resume his assault on the golfing elite.
The Englishman tees it up in today's first round of the Dubai Desert Classic, a fortnight after overhauling the 14-time major champion at the Abu Dhabi Championship. Life had seemingly altered irrevocably, but then, so, too, did his luck. Last Saturday, he was driving along the infamous motorway when the snow intervened.
"I got stuck on the M25, so that brought me back down to earth pretty quick," said the 34-year-old, who was forced to bed down in his Jaguar. "In fact, sitting there in the car I realised that nothing much has changed for me. Whether I am the Abu Dhabi champion or not, the snow was certainly not making way for me."
If Mother Nature remains insurmountable then some of golf's biggest tests are now in his sights. Three of the world's top four are at the Emirates Course – only world No 1 Luke Donald is missing – meaning there are plenty of ranking points on offer. He is currently 58th in the world with his immediate aim to break inside the top 50 and so qualify for the Masters.
"I've got to do well in the next few weeks. I've the chance to play in a few big tournaments if I can keep up a decent run," said Rock. "I'm a great believer in momentum and there are tournaments I've not played before – the WGC Match Play, Doral and the Masters." Woods does not have the chance for revenge over Rock as he is playing for the AT&T Championship at Pebble Beach.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments