Justin Rose has had a dream of a first day at the Open.
A clean scorecard with two birdies saw him safely into the clubhouse at two-under. Rose, we mustn’t forget, only qualified for the Open a few weeks ago when he went shoulder to shoulder with fellow hopefuls, and some amateurs, and Burnham and Berrow.
After his round today, Rose admitted it is “obvious” that time is running out for him to win a second major but he believes he can take advantage of this opportunity.
“I still believe that [I can win The Open] alright,” he said. “I’ve been around long enough to know that I can – I know what I’m capable of.
“I’ve been pretty good in my career at winning the special ones. That’s what I’ve been really working hard for the last two or three years – to have the opportunity late in my career to have a couple of special, amazing opportunities. That’s what’s keeping me going.
“Will I compete week in and week out at the very highest level at 44? Who knows, but I still feel like I’m a good enough golfer to have my weeks where it all comes together.”