ORLANDO, Florida: Justin Rose, thriving in the spotlight that comes with playing alongside Tiger Woods, fired a seven-under 65 yesterday to seize a two-shot lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
England’s Rose had an eagle and six birdies in his tour of Bay Hill. He held a two-stroke first-round lead over American John Huh.
John Rollins and Canadian Brad Fritsch shared third place on four-under 68, with 14-time major champion Woods in a group of 10 players four off the lead on three-under 69.
Rose said the marquee pairing with Woods “elevates the day” and he made the most of it despite their early tee time that had them heading off the 10th tee in chilly conditions.
“Starting out this morning, the first six, seven, eight holes felt a grind,” Rose said. “It was cold. It was windy.”
He warmed up plenty on the greens where his putter was “really, really hot”. Rose said that’s an area of his game that’s been lacking in recent months.
“Today was probably the first real hot day I’ve had with the blade in a long, long time,” he said.
REUTERS
