Justin’s relishing a St Andrews return after PGA triumph
JUSTIN ROSE says he is relishing next week’s Open Championship at St Andrews after his US success at the weekend.
The Florida-based Englishman only booked his place in the showpiece event at the Home of Golf after his triumph at the AT&T National – his second PGA Tour victory in four weeks.
Rose rocketed to stardom when finishing in a tie for fourth as a 19-year-old amateur at the 1997 Open at Birkdale.
Despite his nine titles, Rose has not always had it easy as a professional. But after rediscovering his best form of late, the 29-year-old can’t wait to take on the famous links of St Andrews.
“I’ve got very fond memories,” he reflected after his one-shot victory in Pennsylvania. “I won the Links Trophy as an amateur there, which was probably the performance that got me into the Walker Cup.
“And I finished second at the Dunhill Links Championship in ‘07 – it’s a place I love. How can you not love St Andrews?
“You’ve just got to stand on the first tee there and you feel like you’re part of something special.
“Winning on the PGA Tour is a stepping stone to winning major championships. It prepares you. It’s great practice.”