New Orleans, LA …
Justin Rose has returned to competition for a first occasion since the Masters and at this week’s Zurich Classic in New Orleans declaring he has no regrets in losing to Sergio Garcia at Augusta.
Rose will team this week with Ryder Cup winning colleague, Henrik Stenson in a rare PGA Tour team event and the first since 1981.
Eighty two-man teams will play alternate shot on Thursday and Saturday and then play best ball on Friday and Sunday, and with the leading 35 teams to make the cut on the very alligator-infested TPC Louisiana course.
If successful, Rose and Stenson will split the first prize cheque of $US 1.26m and each will receive a two-year Tour exemption but there will be no World Ranking points or any invitation, not that they need the invitation, to the 2018 Masters as is customary on the PGA Tour for individual victories.
Justin Rose returns to the Tour declaring he is incredibly positive and with no regrets after losing out in a play off for the Masters.
Rose has had the last fortnight off from competition since the agony of losing out in a play-off to Garcia at the Masters.
“I felt really in control of my game and my emotions all week and really felt like I had an opportunity to win, as I did,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity that I feel that — certainly one that got away. I felt that it was mine at points on the back nine.
“But really, I sleep well every night. I’m absolutely fine. I feel like Augusta is the one major where the fact that we go back there year on year, you can build on that performance and you can build on that experience.
“At the other major championship’s you have your opportunity on a golf course that you may love and then you may not see it again but the Masters is one that I can keep coming back to and keep creating those chances.
“So, from that point of view I’m incredibly positive, and also I think it’s only really revealing at the end of the season.
“I might have the opportunity to win a couple more yet, so I’m not even willing to look back at this with any sort of regret until the season is done, and then we can reevaluate and assess actually what it meant. It was a great week. I wish I’d have been one stroke better, but it was — for me it was another step forward in my career and my self-belief.”
Rose and Stenson had gelled superbly at the 2014 Ryder Cup winning the very first Gleneagles match 5 & 4 and then the Friday afternoon Foursomes and next day Fourballs.
“Henrik and I get along really well and for a time, we lived right across the street from each other at Lake Nona,” said Rose.
“At Gleneagles, we just paired up beautifully and we had an awesome time on the golf course and a record-setting time, so we had a couple of hot days and have always enjoyed each other’s company.”
And that was no more evident when Rose, as the 2016 Olympic champion was quizzed if he had his Gold Medal with him.
However, it was the quick-witted Stenson who first responded.
“Where do you keep yours because I was told to bring it so I have mine in my pocket, but he didn’t bring his, so I’m not going to show off a silver when there’s no gold around”, he said smiling.
Rose replied: “Actually now is the time to show off a silver when there’s no gold around.
Stenson said: “I’ve got you (smiling)
Rose: “Yeah, mine is in the hotel room, I’m sorry to say. Yeah, just — I’m forgetful.
Stenson: There’s one on the team organized and planned and there is one that’s going to keep for forgetting stuff.
Rose: “And one that’s not boastful”. (smiling)
Also, competing, and for a first time in the US this year is Gleneagles winning hero, Jamie Donaldson who hit the shot to give Europe victory in Scotland.
The Welshman has teamed with in-from Tyrrell Hatton.
Andrew “Beef” Johnston has teamed with American Kyle Reifeers and Luke Donald with American Jamie Lovemark.
And Ian Poulter gets another chance to secure his PGA Tour card in teaming with Aussie and former US Open champion, Geoff Ogilvy who last week become the 26th player to earn more than $US 3om on the Tour.
