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Iconic Royal Birkdale images: Justin Rose's chip in

19 Jul 1998:  Amateur player Justin Rose holes his third shot on the 18th hole during the 1998 British Open held at Royal Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside,
Image: Justin Rose celebrates after chipping in from distance on the 18th at Royal Birkdale in 1998

We continue our countdown to The Open by taking a look back at another iconic image from the Royal Birkdale archives - Justin Rose producing a remarkable final shot in 1998 as he chipped in at the 18th to finish tied for fourth.

The Englishman, making his first Major appearance as an amateur, holed from 45 yards for a birdie before celebrating wildly as he finished just two shots behind Mark O'Meara and Brian Watts, with the former winning the eventual play-off to lift the Claret Jug.

Mark O'Meara of the United States beside the Claret Jug after his win with Justin Rose of England behind who won the Silver Medal for the leading amateur
Image: Rose collects his silver medal for finishing as lowest amateur behind Claret Jug winner Mark O'Meara

Rose, then 17, had kicked off with a two-over round of 72, before a superb 66 got him to within a shot of the lead ahead of the cut.

A 75 then followed before he capped off a final-round 69 to finish on two over, 10 shots ahead of the other nearest amateur, Sergio Garcia.

Rose claimed the silver medal for finishing as the lowest amateur and turned professional the following day.

"At the beginning of my week, all I wanted was to be a part of it all," Rose said afterwards. "I didn't realise I would be such a big part of it, almost getting the feel of being the winning player coming up the 18th. That's how I felt today."

Also See:

The Open - Official Films

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