Golf veteran Justin Rose showcased his enduring class by securing a spot for The Open, set to take place later this month. Despite being a major winner with 20 previous appearances at The Open, the 43-year-old embraced the challenge of earning his place through a rigorous qualifier at Burnham and Berrow.
Rose’s impressive eight-under-par performance in the qualifier ensures his participation in the 152nd edition of The Open at Royal Troon on July 18. He joins a field that includes Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy, who is among the favorites and aiming for a major comeback.
While some top players might disdain the prospect of qualifying, Rose welcomed it with enthusiasm, driven by a longstanding affection for The Open, which he describes as a “love story.” Despite never having claimed the Claret Jug, Rose remains confident in his ability to compete for the title.
“There are moments where you just want to qualify for The Open,” Rose told Sky Sports via the Daily Express. “But I still feel like I can win The Open. To win it, you’ve got to be in it. So that was key today—to come here, get the job done, and give myself that opportunity and that dream.”
This year’s Open follows closely on the heels of McIlroy’s near-miss at the US Open in June, where he fell just short of securing his first major title in a decade. McIlroy is also set to compete in the Genesis Scottish Open a week before Royal Troon hosts its first major tournament in eight years.
Rose’s best finish at The Open was a tie for second at Carnoustie in 2018, a result he achieved alongside McIlroy, who was also in the field when The Open last visited Royal Troon in 2016. Reflecting on that year, when Henrik Stenson won with a record 20-under-par, Rose recalled: “I remember being on the wrong side of the draw, which I never let Henrik live down. I always said, ‘You had it easy, mate.’ It was definitely one of those Opens where it was one half versus the other.”
As Rose gears up for The Open, he aims to add a new highlight to his already distinguished career. His journey to qualification is a testament to his humility and passion for the sport, and he remains hopeful that his pursuit of The Open title will culminate in triumph.