Rose Open hopes hit by trouble
Justin Rose endured another damaging setback today in his bid to win a place in this month's Open Championship.
Having blown his chance of qualifying at Sunningdale on Monday, Rose was banking on a high finish in this week's Smurfit European Open at the K Club near Dublin.
Starting from the 10th, the 23-year-old Englishman kicked off with two birdies and was one under par after eight holes. But at the 578-yard 18th, where water has to be carried off the tee and again to reach the green, Rose plunged to a triple-bogey eight to reach the turn in 37. He remained one over after 16 holes.
On a tough new course where some were predicting a winning score of level par, Paul Broadhurst charged to five under. Continuing his winning form of Monday, the 38-year-old covered the front nine in 32 with the help of an eagle on the 600-yard seventh. He then birdied the 10th to be two ahead of Lee Westwood.
Three places in The Open are up for grabs this week, as well as a huge amount of Ryder Cup points. Colin Montgomerie, feeling more relaxed after securing his place at Royal Troon, completed a level par round of 72.
