Justin Rose showed why he remains one of Europe’s most trusted players, firing a bogey-free five-under-par 67 to open his campaign with style. The round had everything: patience, resilience, and a late burst of brilliance.
The Englishman, set for his seventh Ryder Cup appearance later this month, admitted the front nine was more grind than glory. A wayward tee shot into the bunker at the par-4 3rd summed up a shaky start, but his short game held firm until the rhythm arrived.
“I didn’t play great early on,” Rose said with a grin. “I missed a few greens, but managed to keep the momentum with some good up-and-downs. Once I found my stride, I hit some solid irons and gave myself chances.”
Those chances came late – and Rose cashed in. Birdies at 15, 17 and 18 meant he closed with three in his final four holes, finishing the day with a flawless card. It was classic Rose: dig deep when it’s tough, then attack when the door opens.
Resilience
That resilience has defined his 2025 season. While not always spectacular, Rose has been relentlessly consistent, racking up solid finishes and reminding Europe’s captain Luke Donald why he remains a Ryder Cup lock. He’s proven once again that he thrives when the stakes are high.
Reflecting on what 20 appearances at this championship have taught him, Rose was quick to point to patience. “You have to take advantage of the par-5s when you can,” he said. “It was windy enough today to keep you honest, but with softer, slower greens you can be more aggressive. That’s why the scoring’s low.”
Rose might call it “just a solid start,” but with the Ryder Cup only weeks away, fans on both sides of the Atlantic will have noticed more than that – a bogey-free 67, composure under pressure, and a late surge when it mattered. For Europe, it’s a timely reminder: Justin Rose knows how to deliver when the spotlight is brightest.
