Justin Rose Dominates at Torrey Pines: A Glimpse into the Final Round
SAN DIEGO – The excitement of professional golf was palpable on Saturday at Torrey Pines as Justin Rose staged a remarkable performance on the South Course. His play left even seasoned colleagues like Joel Dahmen in awe.
Rose’s Unforgettable Shot at No. 7
As Rose approached the challenging seventh hole, he faced a daunting lie in the first cut of rough. The pin was located in a notoriously tough spot, tucked into the upper right corner. Surprisingly, Rose, currently ranked World No. 10, managed to hit a stunning 9-iron shot that faded beautifully toward the flagstick, landing just five feet from the hole. This incredible feat set him up for a third consecutive birdie.
Dahmen, who had been witnessing a parade of impressive drives and pinpoint iron shots throughout the morning, could hardly believe the skill displayed at the seventh.
“He hits this thing to the moon, it comes down to four feet. You don’t hit that shot in a practice round let alone when you have a six- or seven-shot lead on Saturday,” Dahmen remarked. “At that point, that was just kind of like, ‘OK, you win.’”
Rose’s Stellar Performance
Rose has turned the tournament into a showcase of skill. With a remarkable total of 24 birdies, including one eagle, he shot a four-under-par 68 on Saturday. With this performance, he forged a six-shot lead, totaling a record-breaking 54-hole score of 21-under 195.
Historical Implications
Rose is on track for a rare wire-to-wire victory, aiming for his second win at Torrey Pines and 13th on the PGA Tour. If successful, he would be the first player to hold a solo lead in every round and win in San Diego since Tommy Bolt in 1955. While Johnny Miller achieved a wire-to-wire win in 1982, he was tied after the first round.
The Competition
Dahmen, who managed a solid 68 in his third round, finds himself alone in second place at 15 under, while Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune (68) and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim (69) trail eight shots behind. Dahmen acknowledges Rose’s exceptional play, expressing hope that perhaps the pressure of leading might result in an uncharacteristic error on the final back nine.
“The way he’s playing… I would be pleased with second place,” he stated.
The Drive Behind Rose
While Rose is 45 years old, he showcases remarkable fitness and mental acuity, attributes that have helped prolong his career. Dahmen admitted to feeling inspired by Rose’s commitment to maintaining his physical strength and competitive edge.
“To still have the drive with the career that he’s had is very impressive,” Dahmen said. “It’s almost inspiring for me… I’ve got to get in a little better shape to hang out with Justin.”
Looking Ahead
As Rose heads into the final round, he remains aware that complacency is not an option.
“There’s never going to be any complacency,” Rose stated. “You’ve got to do everything right tomorrow. Obviously, somebody can always shoot a great round, so you’ve got to score well.”
With the final round ahead, the golfing world will be watching closely to see if Rose can maintain his leading performance at one of golf’s most revered courses.
Stay tuned as the final day unfolds at Torrey Pines, where the showdown promises to deliver an exhilarating conclusion to this prestigious tournament.
