You are in > manchester.com  > News > Rose well on course in Florida

Golf

Rose well on course in Florida

20/10/2006

US-based Briton Justin Rose got off to a blistering start on day one of the Funai Classic at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida by obliterating the course record to set the early pace.

Rose carded seven birdies on the way out, taking just 29 shots, and then picked up a further five on the back nine to register a stunning 12-under-par 60 on the Palm Course.

His start, a new career best, fell agonisingly short of the magic 59-mark after a missed 15-foot putt at the last but it was still good enough for a four-shot lead over Swede Richard Johnson.

"I'd say I think I did everything right to shoot a 59. I made two great swings on the last hole. All I wanted to do was get to 12-under playing the last hole. All I wanted to do was have a putt to shoot 59, and I did that," he said.

"Right now I don't feel disappointed. Maybe the enormity of 59 will hit me and I'll think, well, that was an amazing chance. I was just pleased to keep it going."

He added: "It was uncharted territory for me. I've never shot a round close to that before. Nine-under is my previous low, so to go three better than your personal best is pushing yourself, which I'm happy I managed to do today."

Vijay Singh, the world number five, is the highest ranked player competing this week and he shot a four-under-par 68 for a solid start.

© Adfero Ltd