BBC Sportgolf

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 18:53 GMT, Saturday, 18 July 2009 19:53 UK

Rose 'still contender' for Open

The 138th Open, Turnberry
Date: 16-19 July
Coverage: Live TV coverage on BBC Two, Online and the Red Button, live on Radio 5 Live and text commentary online on all four days

By Ged Scott
BBC Sport at Turnberry

Justin Rose
Rose hits an iron during his third-round 71 at Turnberry

Hampshire's Justin Rose insists that he is still a contender at the 138th Open Championship after staying in the hunt with a third-round one-over 71.

Rose, who trails leader Tom Watson by six shots, told BBC Sport: "I'd like to be a couple of shots closer, but anything is possible.

"I hit the ball really well, phenomenally well, in fact, and a 65 was just a smidgeon away.

"It's as good as I've played all year, as good as I've ever played."

Rose began badly with a bogey five, immediately put right with a birdie at the second.

And he then went back to level par for the championship when he knocked in another birdie putt at 7.

But three more shots went, at 8, 11 and 13, before he finished in style with a birdie at 18.

And, if Rose can get his putter working, he hopes that proves a prelude to a final day charge.

"I feel so comfortable with my ball-striking," he said. "And I had lots of birdie chances from 12 to 15 feet. I just need to start holing a few putts."



Print Sponsor


see also
Golf leaderboard
16 Jul 09 |  Golf
Fisher on course for dream week
17 Jul 09 |  Golf
Davies sad to miss Open weekend
17 Jul 09 |  Golf


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites