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Putting the key to winning the Open - Rose

Justin Rose is hoping to have a good week with the short stick © Getty Images

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• Out of Bounds: Royal St George's under pressure of Open demands
  
• Preview: European stars hoping to feast at Sandwich
  
• Profile: Justin Rose

ESPN will be providing comprehensive coverage of the Open Championship, with live scores, news and all the reaction from Royal St George's

European stars hoping to feast at Sandwich

Justin Rose believes his form with the putter will be critical to his chances of winning a first major at this week's Open Championship at Royal St George's.

The Englishman's memory of Sandwich is an unhappy one, when eight years ago rounds of 79 and 80 saw him miss the cut by a distance.

Rose shot to prominence when finishing tied fourth at Royal Birkdale in 1998 as a 17-year-old - a result which remains his highest finish at the Open.

Without a win since last year, some may have predicted the 30-year-old would be down on his luck. However, Rose insists his form is improving and is hopeful a "warm" putter will play a pivotal part in him lifting the coveted Claret Jug.

"I'm starting to feel good about my game," he told Sky Sports News. "I had a lean spell after the Masters but have begun to play a bit better the last few weeks. I finished 15th in Philadelphia and then finished top 15 at Scottish Open so I'm beginning to see some signs.

"I'm feeling pretty good, I've had some good finishes at the last few events and I putted really well at the Scottish Open, I've found something.

"I'm hitting the ball really well but the key is to start making some putts - from 15ft and 20ft - so that is going to be the key, especially on links golf when you can't get the ball that close to the flag. The putter needs to be warm. I think the winning total will be under par, but you need to earn your score. There's a lot of trouble."

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