ROSE: OPEN WIN WOULD BE CHERRY ON THE CAKE

JUSTIN ROSE will complete 20 years as a pro at the Open next week and would dearly love to celebrate by sipping from the Claret Jug. The Englishman reflected on a glorious career to this point that includes victory in the 2013 US Open and an Olympic gold medal in 2016, but acknowledged that he has always had a mysterious love-hate relationship with the biggest event in the game. ‘It’s amazing to me to think I’ve been a pro longer than I haven’t,’ said the 37-year-old (below). ‘My career certainly got off to a rough start trying to live up to being the boy who finished fourth in the 1998 Open as an amateur. After putting that to bed, I feel that I’ve gone on to achieve good things, and justified my decision to turn pro. Now I’m at the stage where I have the chance to achieve something special. I’m looking for the icing on the cake or the cherry or however you want to describe it, and top of that must be winning the Open.’ Rose is currently playing some of the best golf of his life and has risen to world No 3, equalling his career best. The glaring discrepancy, though, is his shocking Open record that shows just one top 10 finish in 15 attempts as a pro. ‘I don’t know what to make of it,’ he says. ‘I’ve obviously been trying too hard some years. I do think I’ve also been unlucky with the draw on occasion. But I’m looking forward to this one at Carnoustie. I’d rate it among my favourite

courses on the Open rota and my game feels in good shape.’ Rose had three weeks off following a disappointing final round at Shinnecock Hills that cost him his chance at the US Open. ‘I didn’t play well but if I keep giving myself good looks at winning, I fancy my chances of becoming a multiple major winner,’ he said. He will get back in the swing today at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, where he is the highest ranked player in the field. Gullane is playing so hard and fast there are some who believe we will witness the first 59 on the European Tour. It is certainly perfect preparation for Carnoustie. Six of the last eight winners of the Open played in the Scottish Open the week before, which explains the impressive list of Americans taking part, headed by Masters champion Patrick Reed.