Friday 24 April 2015 16:28, UK
Justin Rose opened with a solid three-under 69 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, but was left rueing a costly couple of holes that prevented him from ending higher up the leaderboard.
Justin Rose opened with a solid three-under 69 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, but was left rueing a costly couple of holes that prevented him from ending higher up the leaderboard.
The Masters runner-up, making his first tournament appearance since finishing four strokes adrift of Jordan Spieth at Augusta, posted two early birdies at TPC Louisiana before dropping three strokes in his next two holes.
Beginning at the 10th, Rose made gains at 11 and 13 but had to take a penalty drop at the par-three next after slicing his tee shot out of bounds. The world No 9’s approach shot left an awkward 20-foot bogey putt, which ended inches short of the cup.
Rose was unable to save par from 20-feet at the par-four 15th so reached the turn one over, although responded positively by firing four birdies on the front nine to stay within five of the lead.
“I got out of the gates nice and quickly,” Rose told Sky Sports 4. “I took advantage of a couple of the easier holes to start my round and then had a mad half hour where I dropped a couple of weak shots.
“When you turn one over on a morning where you feel you can hit the golf course it isn’t very good, but you’ve got to tell yourself that over 72 holes you’re going to have those moments where things go against you.
"I feel like the last few years here I’ve been getting stronger and I feel very good about my game."
Rose’s performance was overshadowed by that of compatriot Brian Davis, who produced his best round since last month’s Valspar Championship with an opening round 66 to stay close to early pacesetter Boo Weekley.
The world No 241, who has missed the cut in three of his past four PGA Tour appearances, holed his 70-yard approach shot for an eagle at the par-five 11th before adding three birdies to reach the turn in 32.
Davis’ only blemish came via a two-putt from 15-feet at the short 17th, but the Englishman was able to pick up shots at the second and eighth to end strongly.
Speaking to Sky Sports 4, Davis said: “Delighted to get off to a good start and obviously I kept it going. I hit it straight all day and didn’t make many mistakes.
I hit a couple of bad iron shots but didn’t hurt myself and putted really solidly, so when you do that you’re going to shoot a low number.”
Watch the Zurich Classic of New Orleans throughout the week on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.
