Rose eager to hunt for gold

Justin Rose would relish the chance to represent England in the 2016 Olympic Games even if it could land him in trouble with his missus.

The Englishman, who owns a flat in Putney, teed off in the Open at 7.36 this morning and says he would like the sport to be included in the Games.

He said: "I would like to be a part of the Olympics. It is about playing at the highest level.

"Golf is such a great game and allows you to compete at that level, and it would be good to battle it out for a gold medal.

"It would be a fantastic opportunity in eight years time, although I'm not sure my wife would ever forgive me.

"She was a gymnast as a kid and winning a gold medal was one of her dreams, so if I stole that she might not be too happy."

Rose, who finished tied fourth at Royal Birkdale in 1998, has fond memories from the last time he played here.

He turned professional a day later and despite topping the European Tour's Order of Merit last season, he ranks that performance in 1998 as one of the best of his career.

He added: "I've always thought about what I achieved in '98 as being the next best thing to winning the Open Championship.

"To experience anything bigger than that would mean me winning this tournament, which I hope to do this year."