AG News: Rose reclaims #1 ranking after Turkish Open win
Justin Rose soared back to the top of the world rankings after edging out Haotong Li in a thrilling finish at the Turkish Airlines Open.
The width of a cricket pitch stood between Joe Miller and his dream of reclaiming his REMAX World Long Driver title.
The 28-year-old Londoner, lost out in the final against a former standout pitcher for the University of Miami, Tim Burke, despite belting a 405-yard drive in the final.
In chilly desert conditions he was unable to beat Burke's 427-yard winning effort at Las Vegas Motor Speedway venue.
Burke, who was second in the 2012 final, bagged the $250,000 prize with his fourth effort and immediately dedicated the victory to his late father.
"I just looked up and thought to myself, and said to him, 'Wow, I can't believe I did it.' It was surreal," he said. "I waited a year for this. I took one week off last year, and I just decided I'm going to start from the foundation up. I got a little better golf swing and gained a lot of speed.
"I've never hit a ball better in my life," he continued. "I knew I was going to end it there. That was my goal with that Krank driver. (Miller's) 405 was not that big of a number, especially in these conditions. I knew he could clearly beat that."
Joe had hit further than the winning drive in previous competitions during the season and was red-hot favourite coming into the event. He managed to make it through the first round, where two-time champ Jamie Sadlowski crashed out and was the only Callaway ambassador to make it to the final. However, despite the beckoning distance lights of the Las Vegas strip offering a glimpse of fame and glory, he couldn't find that one magic swing over his six attempts.
“I gave it my all,” he told us. "It would've been a perfect end to what's been a perfect year. Obviously it’s extremely frustrating to come up short, but gave it my all. It was amazing to be part of such a great spectacle, especially in Las Vegas, but now I will re-group, share developmental ideas with Callaway and come back bigger, stronger and better next year. I appreciate all the support and hope to give them what they want next time"
Justin Rose soared back to the top of the world rankings after edging out Haotong Li in a thrilling finish at the Turkish Airlines Open.
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