Justin Rose clear of Tiger Woods
JUSTIN ROSE pulled the rug out from favourite Tiger Woods, finishing four shots clear of the American on the opening day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando.
Rose, who lives just 30 minutes from the Bay Hill course, bogeyed his second hole but then snatched an eagle and six birdies, including four in succession from his 13th, in a seven-under-par 65. It was Rose’s lowest score by two shots in 31 rounds.
I’m a little surprised by that number but anytime you go low at Bay Hill it’s a bonus
Woods, looking to win the event for a PGA Tour record-matching eighth time, capped his round with a seventh-hole eagle but bogeyed his next two in a 68.
“I’m a little surprised by that number but anytime you go low at Bay Hill it’s a bonus,” said Rose. “The putter was really hot.”
Lee Westwood and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson were next best of the Europeans, posting one-under-par 71s while local Orlando residents Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell signed for 72s.