Justin Rose tastes victory in Japan
IN: News | Japan | Chunichi Crowns (2002) | Wrap | by Bruce Young | 06 May 2002
21-year-old Justin Rose has captured the imagination and interest of many since his decision to turn pro in July of 1998 as a 17-year-old following his dramatic fourth place finish at the British Open behind Mark O'Meara.
Many argued that that it was too early to take on the paid brigade and twelve months later it appeared they were correct as Jason struggled to come to terms with the rigours of the professional game. What he had done, by turning pro at that age however, was to buy time with the financial support his profile, as a result of that finish, had secured him. Although it took another two years for things to begin to seriously turn around it has been an amazing last few months with wins in The Alfred Dunhill, the Nashua Masters (South African Tour) and now this emphatic win in one of the Japanese Tour's international events.
Rose lead from the get go with an opening round of 64 and, although challenged at times by players such as last weeks' winner Dean Wilson early in the event, never really looked like relinquishing the lead. Starting the last round four ahead of his nearest rival, amateur Yusaku Miyazato, Rose's lead was never threatened as he produced a front nine of 33 and a rock solid no frills one over par back nine that saw him take out the title by five from Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng with Dean Wilson in third spot.
There is a lot to like about Rose especially given the immense scrutiny he was under early in his career as the great hope of British golf, and, that most felt he had turned pro too early. He is now however having the last laugh. His form this season on the European Tour has been a little ordinary since his win in Johannesburg but he is steadily developing into the player his early exploits suggested he was capable of. He missed the cut last week at the Spanish Open so to turn around and win in such an emphatic manner on another continent highlights his potential and, that very important ingredient for a pro golfer, adaptability. That he has been able to dismiss those early pressures of expectation and go about his own business, so to speak, I feel speaks volumes for Rose a player and an individual. He is after all only twenty-one and the future looks promising indeed.
Markseang in his second full season in Japan turned his form around after missing his first two cuts this season producing his best finish ever on the Japanese Tour for second, a shot ahead of last week's winner American, Dean Wilson.
Scott Laycock was the leading Australasian player in 6th place and a cheque for (equiv) $A66,000. Steve Conran was 15th, Anthony Gilligan was 21st and David Smail 35th.
Toru Taniguchi still leads the money list, albeit narrowly, from Wilson with Rose in third place. Laycock is the leading player from this part of the world in 15th place and $A105,000.
