The Open 2011: Justin Rose rediscovers form with putter

Rose's best Open finish was fourth at Birkdale in 1998

Justin Rose rounded off a disappointing Open with a level-par 70 at Royal St George's to end the tournament 11-over.

The 1998 Open amateur hero dropped another five shots, but also made light of his recent putting concerns to register three birdies and an eagle.

And that big improvement on the greens certainly filled the 30-year-old from Hampshire with confidence.

"I'd only made three birdies all week," he said. "You're not going to compete like that, but I holed a few today."

The highlight of Rose's final round came at the long seventh when, following a fine drive and six-iron approach shot, he holed a 35-footer for an eagle.

"It was lovely to see a putt disappear," said Rose. "I did some work on Saturday evening with [former British member of the European Tour] Mark Roe over at Royal Cinque Ports, shortened my stroke in the wind and it seemed to work.

"I've just not been holing putts and began to make some today. And, as soon as I start making putts regularly, then I'll win, as I'm hitting the ball better then ever (from) tee to green."

Rose now has two weeks off before going to the WGC in Akron, Ohio, followed by the USPGA at Atlanta.