The Open: Justin Rose feels later starters at big disadvantage
Last Updated: 16/07/15 9:45pm
Finding himself among Thursday's later starters almost drove Justin Rose to drink in the 144th Open at St Andrews.
Rose was among the players who faced the Old Course in a strengthening wind during the early evening, the former US Open champion reaching four under after seven holes before three late bogeys resulted in an opening 71.
And with bad weather forecast throughout the day on Friday, the 34-year-old believes his chances of a second major title have been badly hindered by the elements.
"Quite clearly, we were at a two or three-shot disadvantage to the morning field," said Rose, whose best Open finish is still his effort as an amateur in 1998, when he finished tied for fourth at Royal Birkdale.
"It's going to be tough on Friday morning and I think it's going to be really tough in the afternoon. Who knows if it evens out through 36 holes.
"You've got to try and remind yourself it's a 72-hole tournament. If it was an 18-hole tournament, you'd hang your boots up, stop at 17 and take a pint in the Jigger Inn to be honest with you.
"But you have got to try and believe over 72 holes you can have your run, you can get your spell where you get the weather better than anybody else and put it together. On Sunday is when it'll count."
