Justin Rose believes he has nothing to lose as he chases a second US Open title at Pebble Beach on Sunday.
Rose heads into the final round just a shot behind American Gary Woodland and knows the pressure will be on the world No 25 as he seeks a first major title on the Monterey Peninsula.
“One back gives me the freedom to feel like I’ve got everything to gain, nothing to lose,” said Rose, who was two off the lead after 54 holes before claiming the title at Merion in 2013.
“I’m not chasing, really, I’m so close to Gary that I have to go out and play my game and I think it’s going to be dictated by the pin placements and the weather to how aggressive you can be and what it will take to win.
“I think at Merion I wasn’t afraid to lose and that’s probably a good mindset going into tomorrow. It gives you the freedom to play your best.”
Rose suffered a dreaded shank in a greenside bunker on the fifth but regrouped to drop just one shot and admitted his short-game and putting have been vital so far.
“Putting definitely has been, to coin an American phrase, the MVP (most valuable player) for sure,” said Rose, who has single-putted 34 times. “I felt like the putter, with my preparation for the greens this week has been good.
“And I’m reading the greens really well. I’m seeing the lines. The putter is behaving, but I think I’ve done a good job, obviously.”
PA
