28th Jun 2011 | Quicken Loans National
AT&T National Golf Tips: Justin Rose
Winner last year, he has a fantastic record on links-style layouts.
Donald Ross courses are one of the few in the US that favour European players. Three of the last four times his designs have appeared on tour, the winner has come from this side of the Atlantic. One player well suited to the test is defending champion Justin Rose. His last three appearances on a Donald Ross layout have yielded finishes of: 1-9-5.
A beautiful striker of the ball, the Englishman ranks third on tour for GIRs. It has been his putting that has let him down, particularly in 2011 where he ranks 139th. At a tournament where players don’t go heavily into the red, his bogey avoidance will outweigh his lack of birdies.
Twice a winner in the US last year, closing out a win is no longer the struggle it used to be. Although he arrives on the back of two missed cuts I wouldn’t be concerned. Before that he had eight top 25s finishes in 12 events.
At a venue where he has already won he looks over priced at 40/1. Remember bookmakers are paying 1/4 odds for a top five finish.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 15:17 28th Jun, 2011 but subject to change
