Crooked Stick, Carmel, IN … Olympic gold medal winning Justin Rose declared he’s happy to sacrifice not competing in the finale of the FedEx Cup as long as Europe retain the Ryder Cup.
Rose is virtually running on the smell of an oily rag after two rounds of the BMW Championship in Indianapolis and hoping there’s enough gas in the tank for the Hazeltine chequered flag.
The Englishman posted a second round 70 on the Crooked Stick course and unless he improves his current 50th standing on the FedEx Cup points list then Rio Games golfing hero will have two weeks off before joining the European Team in Minnesota.
“You could look at my performance of late and say I am dragging behind while Henrik’s clearly struggling with his knee,” said Rose.
Justin Rose ‘pumped’ to again play all five matches at this year’s Ryder Cup.
“But I have focused my season on the Majors, the Olympics and I am happy to sacrifice not being in the final of the FedEx Cup for the Ryder Cup.
“I am not 100% fit at present and I need to be careful of myself going forward and while I would love to be in Atlanta the silver-lining for me is I look to now have two weeks off for the Ryder Cup.”
And Scotland’s Russell Knox has his left wrist strapped protecting a cyst on the back of hand but confident, after a second round 69 for a share of 19th place at four under par it will not be a major concern
He said: “The strapping on my wrist is just a small protection and I should be fine.
“I was pretty happy with my play today and delighted to say there was not one three-putt.
“So the goal now is to get to 10-under on Sunday night and I will be happy going to Atlanta.”
The American duo of Dustin Johnson (63) and Roberto Castro (65) head the event by three shots at 14-under par and with England’s Paul Casey (66) again well in frame at 11-under par.
