It’s been five years since Justin Rose last played at TPC Harding Park – and he did what any normal golfer in need of a memory refresh would do – watch some video footage.
The former US Open champion arrives in San Francisco this week on the back of three missed cuts but is hoping his homework will pay dividends as he looks to win a second Major at the US PGA Championship.
“I did play the WGC match play at TPC Harding Park a few years ago, and I can vaguely remember the golf course,” Rose told Golf.com
“I’ve actually been online since and watched the hole guide fly-over video, just to refresh my memory.
“It’s definitely my first go-to and whenever you spend the time trying to learn a golf course, it typically does pay off.”
Rose admits that drone footage can be a valuable tool and he is always keen on learning as much as he can about Major venues as possible.
“Often, I’ll use the course pro to maybe just get his insights,” said Rose. “And occasionally there’s a little hidden gem in there, some wisdom that does ring true.
“I remember going to Merion for the US Open in 2013. And because we had a local caddie, he relayed a story to me about the flow of the golf course, and how the first six holes are a drama, the middle six holes are a comedy, and then the final six holes are a tragedy.
“And it kind of really helped me to understand the flow of the golf course and helped me be patient.
“So you do learn a lot by speaking to people who know the golf course, whether that be the superintendent, the head pro, or whoever it might be.”
Rose put that knowledge into good effect in 2013, and that US Open title remains the 40-year-old’s only Major triumph to date.
Earlier this year Rose split with long-time swing coach Sean Foley
