In full bloom

Rose ties lowest Open round by amateur with stellar 66

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Posted: Friday July 17, 1998 02:27 PM

Strong finish: Rose capped his round of 4-under-par 66 with an eagle at No. 17 and a birdie at No. 18 (Andrew Redington/Allsport)

SOUTHPORT, England (CNN/SI) -- While some of the world's finest professionals were falling deeper out of contention as howling winds ravaged Royal Birkdale on Friday, a 17-year-old amateur amazingly not only played himself into history but into contention as well.

English teenager Justin Rose, a cherub-faced youngster long considered Britain's best amateur, fired a 4-under-par 66 on Friday to tie the British Open record for a low round by an amateur.

Rose's 2-under total after 36 holes left him just one shot out of the lead held by American Brian Watts.

"I'm still taking it in. That's one of my best rounds and to play it in these circumstances is fantastic," Rose said between blushes. "My aim was to come out today, have a good round and make the cut."

Rose, who will be 18 on July 30, capped his round with an eagle-birdie finish as he matched the record set by American Frank Stranahan at Troon in 1950 and equaled by Tiger Woods at Royal Lytham in 1996.

Play was suspended for 38 minutes shortly after Rose finished because of strong winds.

Rose, who has been regarded as Britain's best amateur for the last few years, had to qualify for the Open when the conditions were very tough.

"That was quite grueling and the winds were at least this strong. In hindsight I think that has been great preparation for this week."

Highlights on Friday included a 50-foot putt for a birdie at the ninth and an eagle at the 17th.

Rose, born in Johannesburg but living in England with his family since he was 5, said he has been playing golf since he could walk. "I was given a set of plastic clubs at 11 months old and my own proper set of clubs when I was 5."

He finished school last year and has decided not to go to college, his main decision now being when to turn pro.

"I was going to use this week as a guide," Rose said. "It will help in my decision. If I win, I think I could well be tempted."

Last year American Justin Leonard won at Royal Troon. Rose said on Friday: "I imagined that the sign they had saying 'Well done, Justin' meant me and that's something that has stayed in my mind ever since."

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