Justin Rose was proud of his performance in the final round of the 152nd British Open but felt “disappointed” after narrowly missing out on a second major title at Royal Troon.
The former world number one was looking to become the first British player since Sir Nick Faldo to win the Claret Jug after finishing one shot behind Billy Horschel in the final, but he ultimately finished tied for second in the week's tournament as his partner Xander Schauffele secured his second major victory in three months.
Rose made five birdies and one bogey in the final round to finish the week at 7-under 67, tied with overnight leader Billy Horschel. Although the 43-year-old Rose failed to seize a “great opportunity” to increase his major championship points, he tied his best score in 21 appearances in the British Open.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Xander Schauffele told Sky Sports after winning the British Open that he was looking forward to continuing the tradition of drinking from the famous claret jug
“When I walked out on the court, I was just really frustrated, and it hit me really hard because I played really well today,” Rose told reporters. “I started the way I wanted to. I played the way I wanted to play today.”
“I got the lead right out of the gate. I played my style right out of the gate and got into the tournament. Just felt comfortable all day, did a lot of hard things on the golf course and performed really well.
Rose plays with Schauffele, who won his second major title
“In terms of momentum, we were at a critical juncture midway through the back nine. Obviously Xander [Schauffele] I hit a couple really good putts that didn’t drop, and all of a sudden the lead was bigger.
“As far as my performance today, my emotions and my mentality, I gave it my all and I'm very proud of my performance. That's the agreement I made with myself today and I have no regrets.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Justin Rose said he was very proud of his effort after finishing tied for second at the Open Championship and said he had done everything he could to win the Claret Jug.
“I'll have a couple more chances, but you know today was a good one. You want to get out there on the golf course and yeah, I didn't waste this opportunity. I felt really comfortable out there, which gave me a lot of confidence considering I haven't really been in a lot of competition this year.”
Horschel draws positive lessons from critical incident
Horschel led by one stroke entering the final day but trailed by five with three holes to play, but he birdied his final three holes to tie for second with Rose and achieve his best finish in a major.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Billy Horschel birdies the first hole at Royal Troon Golf Club and is on track to win the British Open and his first major championship
“I just kept fighting and fighting until the end,” Horschel said. “I ended up making three birdies and tied for second with my good friend Justin Rose.
“I should be disappointed. I had a chance to win a major. I was in a really good position. I just made too many unnecessary mistakes today. But we'll look back on it in an hour and I'll be really happy with how I performed this week.
Billy Horschel shot six birdies and three bogeys for a final-round 68
“I’ve done a lot of great things that I can take with me to the majors in the next few years and hopefully one of them will get me through the door and get one of these.”
Lowry looks forward to heading to Portrush after top-six finish
Lowry led by three shots early in the third round but struggled to a six-over 77 in poor conditions on Saturday, and the Irishman made four birdies in five holes on the final day to spark contention but ultimately finished five shots back in sixth.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Watch Sean Lowry make four birdies on the front nine at Royal Troon as he moves closer to the British Open lead at 33
“How can you not look back on it positively, this is a chance to win the British Open,” Lowry said after shooting a three-under 68. “Obviously critics and people like that are going to say, the way I was playing yesterday afternoon, I should have won, but it’s not going to be easy.”
“It's not easy to win a tournament like this. I tried my best. Unfortunately, I failed. Hopefully in the next five to 10 years I can give myself some more chances in tournaments like this and try one more time.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
On the final day of play, Sean Lowry delighted the Royal Troon crowd with a powerful putt for birdie on the fifth hole.
“I will definitely return [Royal] Portrush will be a challenge for me next year, with some requirements to meet and people will talk about me a little more than in 2019 (the year Lowry won). But yes, I will go back and I will enjoy it.
“Who knows what's going to happen between now and then. We've got a lot of great golf left to play. Hopefully I can come back as an Olympic medalist or a major champion or something like that, you never know. That would be cool.”
Watch the PGA Tour and DP World Tour season finales, plus exclusive Sky Sports live coverage of the AIG Women's Open, Solheim Cup and more. Watch golf and more top sporting events with NOW.
