Rose Happy To Rely On Experience

10 April 2015 12:39

Former US Open champion Justin Rose vowed to learn from his mistakes after again finding himself in contention to win the Masters.

Rose led after the first round at Augusta National in 2004, 2007 and 2008 - having failed to qualify in 2005 and 2006 - and shared the lead for much of the opening day on Thursday until Jordan Spieth produced a stunning 64 late in the day.

The 34-year-old's 67 was good enough for a share of second place with Australian Jason Day, Ernie Els and Charley Hoffman, with Sergio Garcia and Russell Henley a shot behind.

Asked what he had learned from his previous good starts here, Rose said: "(Not to) get ahead of yourself. So much can happen around this golf course, and by no means am I worried about going wire-to-wire or anything like that.

"I think it's just about playing good, solid golf, executing my game plan and giving myself a chance on Sunday. There's so many shots out there, especially around Amen Corner, that can ruin a scorecard. So there's really no point in getting ahead of yourself.

"One thing I've learned on this golf course is that if you do make a bogey or two, when you start to chase around here to make up for it, it's not always the best decision. I've definitely learned the hard way a couple of times, which was obviously a good experience.

"My best chance was in 2007 where I finished fifth. I was one back with two to play (only to double bogey the 17th). I've been there on the back nine and it feels great."

Source: PA-WIRE