Justin Rose drops F-bomb over Open Qualifying rival’s frustration

Justin Rose’s determination to secure a spot at The Open Championship at Royal Troon was evident at Burnham and Berrow Golf Club, yet his day was overshadowed by the unfortunate turn of events for his playing partner, Chris Wood.

Both Rose and Wood were in contention to finish in the top four, a prerequisite for qualification, as they embarked on their second rounds on Tuesday at the Somerset course. Wood, a former silver medalist at the 2008 Open at Royal Birkdale and a third-place finisher at St Andrews in 2009, had not played in the prestigious tournament for five years. However, he was on track to change that until he reached the par-five eighth hole.

A misdirected tee shot to the right triggered a frantic search for Wood’s ball among the spectators. Joined by Rose and South African golfer Jovan Rebula, Wood informed the search party that he was looking for a Titleist 1. Rose, showing his leadership and empathy, spearheaded the search, directing the crowd and exclaiming, “You’re wasting your time over there, it’s in this channel here.” Despite their collective efforts, the ball remained elusive, with only other golf balls emerging from the thick rough.

The referee’s ruling that the ball was lost left Wood devastated, a sentiment echoed by Rose, who muttered, “F*** sake,” in a display of genuine disappointment for his fellow countryman. Wood’s provisional shot compounded his woes as it landed in a bunker. Forced to chip out, he aimed to salvage the hole with a bogey but ended up with a double-bogey seven as his putt narrowly missed the mark. Subsequent bogeys on the 11th and 14th holes dashed Wood’s hopes of competing at Royal Troon.

Despite his empathy for Wood, Rose remained focused on his own goal. He demonstrated remarkable composure and skill, navigating the increasing wind conditions to finish eight-under with three holes to play, poised to tie for first place with Cambridge amateur Dominic Clemons.

Meanwhile, LIV Golf stars Abraham Ancer and Anirban Lahiri were anxiously awaiting their fate. They found themselves in a four-way tie for third, hoping for a playoff opportunity later in the day. With Sweden’s Charlie Lindh and South Africa’s Justin Walters also vying for the final qualification spots at five-under, the outcome remained uncertain.

While Rose’s path to The Open remains hopeful, the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed during Wood’s unfortunate turn of events highlighted the true spirit of golf.