While Justin Rose looks to create golfing history later this week he’s singled out fellow Englishman Danny Willett to impress in this week’s U.S. Open.
Rose broke through to win a maiden Major two years in denying hapless Phil Mickelson to win the 2013 U.S. Open at Pinehurst.
Victory for Rose this week in suburban Tacoma in Washington State would see the 33-
year old become the first Brit in 110-years to win two U.S. Open titles.
Former champ Justin Rose not only looking to create US Open history but backing Danny Willett to again shine on the US West Coast. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
Rose will be making his 10th U.S. Open appearance whereas the 27-year old Willett will tee-up in only his second after finishing 45th a year ago.
However after despatching nine-time USA Ryder Cup star Jim Furyk to take third place earlier this year in the WGC – Cadillac Match-Play Championship in South Francisco
The Callaway attached Willett has returned to the American West Coast looking for more of the same on the ‘links-like’ Chambers Bay course.
And after an impressive amateur background competing of some of the best links courses in Britain Willett has duplicated that in the pro ranks including a fifth in the 2012 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Kingsbarns, Carnoustie and St. Andrews.
Also two years ago Willett grabbed a best finish in the Majors with a share of 15th in the 2013 Open at Muirfield.
And it’s this wealth of links experience Rose believes will put Willett in good stead at Chambers Bay.
“Danny’s effort in San Francisco was commendable and after winning the Nedbank Challenge late last he stepped it up a gear finishing third in the match-play,” said Rose.
“As well, this is a good set of Major we have in coming weeks what with this week’s U.S. Open, the Open Championship at St. Andrews and Whistling Straits, for someone who grew up in the U.K. playing a ton of links golf.
“These three majors are the most links-like run in a row we’ve ever had so they should clearly suit someone like Danny and with his links background.
“My caddie walked Chambers Bay last week and called me to say bring your 2-iron and he was right as it is very Kingsbarns-like.
“So this week should favour the guys who’ve played a lot of links golf going forward into the U.S. Open and the remaining two Majors for this year.”
