Justin Rose might not have the eye of a certain celebrity on the Olympic golf course in Rio but he’s hoping to grab the attention over the weekend after two solid rounds so far.
The 36-year-old ended the second day of golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games on -6 after a round of 69 with Australian Marcus Fraser maintaining with his lead on -10.
Rose has been in a grouping with Jhonattan Vegas and Rickie Fowler during the first two days with the American garnering a noticeable following on the greens in Rio.
And, while superstar actor Matthew McConaughey hasn’t actually had his eye on Rose specifically, he wants all the glare to be on him as the competition reaches a climax.
“He [Matthew McConaughey] was following Rickie [Fowler], he loves his golf. I have met him once or twice before at various golf events. He had been texting and communicating with Ricky throughout the week and they are friends,” said Rose.
“They certainly don’t give anything out [on day two] and all you can do is put yourself behind and be in for a struggle but I feel like I haven’t done that and I feel like I am in a good position going into the weekend.
“I feel like I have another gear or two to try and find and it would be nice if it all clicks into shape when I need it. It was good, I was solid, I was probably in third gear with an uphill climb just grinding it out.
“I had the hole in one [on day one] which was a big stroke of luck but there haven’t been any distance putts made yet so I feel like if I keep doing what I am doing I will get a string of birdies.”
Meanwhile fellow Team GB golfer Danny Willett is on -1 after a round of 70 on day two and is hopeful of a change of fortune himself before the historic medals are awarded.
“We have had two pretty stale days but a nice finish [on day two] to not be a million miles back,” he said.
“I think we are six shots off a medal position which isn’t too much. I’m going to go and do a little bit if work and hope to have a better weekend.”