Justin Rose defends Open record and insists he can shine at Carnoustie

Justin Rose is out to set the record straight at The Open this week and prove he can mix it with the best as he bids to banish a disappointing links record, writes Luke Baker at Carnoustie.

The Olympic champion broke through in incredible fashion 20 years ago when he finished in a tie for fourth at Royal Birkdale, while winning the Silver Medal for leading amateur.

But since then he has managed just one top-ten finish, a tie for sixth at St Andrews in 2015 — and he has missed the cut four times.

However, Rose is nearing the world number one ranking and has put together a stellar 12 months, including four wins, leaving his confidence sky high ahead of Carnoustie.

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"I think the consistency I'm playing at right now is the best I have had in my career. I am sustaining that level of higher play and that is the mark of hard work and experience," he said.

"In terms of getting to world number one, I have always said I want to get there by winning tournaments. There could be opportunities in the weeks ahead that I can get there by finishing seventh but I wanted to get there by winning.

Rose made the cut as a teenager at Royal Birkdale 20 years ago

Image credit: Getty Images

"That keeps my goal very simple and I want to win The Open, there is no doubt about it. I am comfortable with how bad my record is here but I think I have created some better chances than my record suggests.

"I come in here knowing that I can play links golf really well. I have not threatened as much as I would have liked but I have won the Scottish Open in the past and played well on links courses."

Rose finished in a tie for 12th the last time the Claret Jug was contested at Carnoustie, but the course is markedly different this year due to the hot and dry weather.

But by no means does that suggest it will be easy for the players, despite fairways playing almost as quickly as the greens.

It is likely to be a test of a player's control and Rose insists it will take a patient player to emerge with the Claret Jug.

"I like this golf course, it is a fair one. I don't see it as much tougher than Turnberry or Muirfield. I see them all as fair venues. There are hazards you need to avoid and you need to hit quality shots," he added.

"I think it will be the perfect test, and you will see some good scores.

"It will favour a patient player. Even if you play aggressively you will be up and down all week, things will go against you. Accepting that is the secret. That's the beauty."

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