Rose shows Birkdale colours at last

13 April 2012

Justin Rose, who finished fourth in the 1998 Open Championship as an amateur, revived memories of his finest hour with a brilliant start to the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa today.

Rose was catapulted to stardom when, aged only 17, he chipped in on the final hole at Royal Birkdale. He turned professional the next day but struggled as he missed 21 halfway cuts in a row.

The 20-year-old then failed to secure a European Tour card at the qualifying school and had to return to the six-round event in 1999 and again last season before reclaiming his playing privileges.

The Hampshire golfer, who was born in South Africa, was anxious to avoid returning to the school again this year and he was going about it the right way by claiming a share of the lead in the early stages of the first round at Houghton Golf Club near Johannesburg.

Teeing off at 6.50am local time, Rose birdied four of the first five holes.

Having reached the turn in three-under 33, he missed from 10ft for a birdie at the 10th but rolled in birdie putts of seven feet and 12ft on the next two holes and picked up another shot on the 16th to set the early target on six-under-par 66.

That total was then matched by a stream of players as they took advantage of a course in excellent condition and playing very short due to the high altitude and several tees being moved forward.

Greg Owen was next in with a 66, followed closely by Steve Webster and Paul Broadhurst, South African Ashley Roestoff and Scotland's Stephen Gallacher.

Australian star Adam Scott was a shot behind, with Nick Faldo delighted with his round of 68.

Rose was equally happy after his decision to get to South Africa a week early paid off.

"I'm very pleased with that although there are some things to work on," Rose said. "I'm driving it really well but hit some poor iron shots over the last few holes.

"I wasted a good chance for a birdie on the par-five 18th because I had only a four-iron second shot but pulled it left and it hit the grandstand and went over the green on to the ninth fairway."

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