Justin Rose is taking a leaf out of Novak Djokovic’s book

The Englishman admits that at 44 winning a Major only gets tougher but he pins faith on his preparation

- Joy Chakravarty

PORTRUSH: Following three recent close calls in majors, Justin Rose comes to the Open Championship at Royal Portrush ‘on the back of missed cuts in the PGA Championship and the US Open this year.

However, if the thing about horses for courses is true, the Englishman feels this could be the week when he rekindles his love for links courses and goes one better than the battling second place he secured last year at Royal Troon.

The final-round 67 at the 152nd Open was a sublime effort in poor weather conditions. He did everything right to give himself a chance to win his first Claret Jug, but as luck would have it, Xander Schauffele simply had a better day.

Just before the 2024 Open, Rose had finished tied sixth at the PGA Championship, and earlier this year, he chased Rory Mellroy hard in the final round of the Masters before losing in the first playoff hole.

Rose was at the Wimbledon a few days ago, watching a 38-year-old Novak Djokovic beat young players before failing in his attempt to defy age against Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. ‘And that has made the 44-year-old even more determined to make the most of the time he is left with in the game at the highest level.