Rose Enjoys 18-Hole Lead in Grand Slam of Golf


Justin Rose fired a 4-under 67 to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. The 36-hole, $1.35 million event that pits the previous season's major champions is taking place at Point Royal Golf Club in Bermuda.

Rose, the 2013 U.S. Open winner at Merion, carded four birdies and a bogey on the front nine, making the turn in 3-under 33. On the home half, he tacked on three more birdies - against two bogeys - for a 34.

The 33-year-old Brit is two shots ahead of PGA champion Jason Dufner, who carded a five-birdie-three-bogey 69, and three in front of Masters' winner Adam Scott.

The 33-year-old Aussie started off hot with four birdies on the front nine, but slowed down on the back with a bogey and a double on the par-3 16th for a 38.

Last year's Grand Slam winner, Padraig Harrington, received an invitation to the tournament after British Open champion Phil Mickelson pulled out due to family commitments. The 42-year-old Dubliner carded three birdies Tuesday, along with four bogeys and a double on the 16th for a 3-over 74.

On Monday, Rose said he was thrilled to play in the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, knowing that only major champions qualify for the unique event. "It's incredibly gratifying," Rose said on the eve of the tournament. It's an event that I've been aware of for year after year, and probably one that I've yearned to play in.

"Another great thing is you get to share it with family. Everyone is so hospitable; you're encouraged to bring your family and friends and enjoy it with people that are close to you, and that's what I'm doing this week. All the people that have made sacrifices for me along the way, I wanted to bring them here and share the experience with them."

So far so good for Rose and his contingent of family and friends as he heads into Wednesday's final round with a two-shot lead over the elite field.

The winner will earn $600,000, while the runner-up will receive $300,000 and third and fourth place finishers will take home $250,000 and $200,000, respectively.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.pga.com/grandslam/scoring/leaderboard.