This year’s slogan for the 150th Open is ‘Everything has led to this’ and Justin Rose admits it resonates with him after turning down LIV money to chase his dreams. Rose has his own place in the competition’s history after his famous breakthrough as an amateur when he chipped in at the last at Royal Birkdale to finish fourth in 1998 as a teenager.
But 24 years on, the former US Open and Olympic gold medallist is still yet to get his hands on the Claret Jug. Rose, 41, now the world No.50, knows time is running out to claim any more Majors. Peers like Lee Westwood, 49, Sergio Garcia, 42, and Ian Poulter, 46, have made their priorities clear to make as much money as possible in the Saudi-back LIV Golf series - prompting bans from the PGA Tour.
But classy Rose hasn’t sold out to the series, which has no cut, as he wants to stay sharp and eligible for a final push at golf’s most prestigious prizes. Rose told Mirror Sport : “There is a bit of a critical mass who have gone now and there is a little bit of strength in numbers. “But for me, these events like this are so special. I want to play the Major championships and force myself to keep working hard to compete in Majors. That is my ultimate goal.
