Rose happy to control own fate
Henrik Stenson is the man in the driving seat, but Justin Rose is ready to pounce should the Swede slip up at the DP World Tour Championship.
The European Tour’s season finale takes place in Dubai and Stenson leads the Race to Dubai standings by only $284,300 from Rose while Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter are also not too far behind.
With more than $1 million on offer for the winner, it could turn into a winner takes all affair at the Jumeirah Golf Estates this weekend.
US Open winner Rose has found some form at the right time though and he finished in a share of third place at the Turkish Airlines Open this past weekend while Poulter was one shot back with Stenson hot on their heels.
“It’s nice to be able to control your own fate,” Rose said. “So if I go in and have a good week, win a golf tournament, which is obviously the aim any time you tee it up; but if I go ahead and do that, that’s going to obviously be the exact scenario I’m looking for.
“Fifth last week, tied for third this week, I like the way that’s trending towards No 1. All I wanted really was to go into Dubai with a chance and knowing it’s in my own hands.”
Stenson, meanwhile, continues to battle a wrist problem, but he heads to Dubai knowing that he is comfortable on the Jumeirah golf course.
“I just need to give my wrist some rest,” the world number three said. “My preparation is going to be less than I would have liked but I’ve played Jumeirah so many times, so hopefully I shouldn’t have to be further behind due to that.”
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