Justin Rose will make his first appearance since finishing second in the Masters in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, an event where he has an impressive recent record.
Former US Open champion Rose, who was joint second with Phil Mickelson behind Jordan Spieth at Augusta National, has not been outside the top 15 on his last three outings at TPC Louisiana.
Since missing the cut in 2011, the 34-year-old Ryder Cup star has finished 10th, 15th and eighth and is a total of 38 under par, with his last 12 rounds all at par or better.
Rose will play alongside two other players who performed well in the Masters for the first two rounds, world number 13 Rickie Fowler finishing 12th and Steve Stricker – 28th in his first tournament of 2015.
Back surgery
Stricker underwent back surgery last year and will continue to play a limited schedule as he works his way back to full fitness, but the 48-year-old has not given up hope of another Ryder Cup appearance even though the Seniors Tour looms when he turns 50.
“No matter what tournament I go to I want to be prepared and to play well and this is no different,” Stricker told a pre-tournament press conference. “Even though it’s only my second event, I have high expectations of what I can do and what I should do. So I come here thinking that I can play well, but deep down I know it’s a process and I’ve got some work to do.
“I’m probably a little more relaxed with things now than I was say 10 years ago when I was trying to find my game. I would say that I’m more comfortable in my own skin and what I do out here on tour is just kind of bonus.
“I’ve kind of relaxed my schedule the last few years, so that’s probably why I have this attitude about playing. I’m much more excited to play when I do come to an event because I’m not playing as much. I enjoy my time at home probably more so because I’m spending bigger blocks of time at home.
“I’m still very competitive though. I say I’m pretty relaxed and casual with things. But when it comes down to it, I really still want to win again and play well and maybe make another team event before all is said and done.”
Zurich Classic The lowdown Course: TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana. Prize money: $6.9m ($1.242m to the winner). Length: 7,425 yards. Par: 72. Field: 156. Course records – 72 holes: 268 Billy Norschel (2013). 18 holes: 62 Ben Martin (2014). Course winners taking part: Seung-yul, Billy Norschel, Jason Bohn, Jerry Kelly, Andres Romero, Nick Watney. Time difference: Louisiana is six hours behind Ireland. Type of player suited: The ability to hit greens in regulation has been key in past few years and is likely to be again. On TV: Sky Sports 4 from 8pm.
