Rose unconcerned by McIlroy’s form ahead of Open

Justin Rose feels it is foolish to write off Rory McIlroy’s chances at this week’s Open as he is a man for the big occasion.

McIlroy and Rose will line up alongside the world’s best players at Royal Troon on Thursday for the year’s third major.

The Open is seen by many in the sport as the ultimate challenge as British links courses serve up conditions that are alien to the majority of the players in the field.

McIlroy tamed Royal Liverpool two years ago to win his first Open title and then added a second US PGA Championship crown to his CV just a few weeks later.

However, the Northern Irishman has yet to return to the winner’s circle in any of the big four events since, and failed to make the cut at this year’s US Open in June.

The 27-year-old has won one European Tour event this season in Ireland but has yet to taste success stateside, and it appears as though he has been struggling for form – especially on the greens.

But Rose has absolutely no doubt that his Ryder Cup team-mate will be a contender on Sunday as he knows how to get the job doe in the majors – if you think Rose can get the job done check out 888sport The Open golf odds.

“Rory is a field player in the sense that you can never count him out and if you start to criticise him at this stage of the season, you could end up with egg on your face, because he could go on a run that he could easily win the next six or seven events,” he told Sky Sports.

“He is not a player you should worry about. He is talented and he will be fine. I don’t look at his form and think what’s going on with Rory.”

Tagged Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, The Open