RIO DE JANEIRO -- Like many of the golfers who came to Brazil to participate in the Olympic golf Tournament, Justin Rose has taken time to soak in the experience.
Typically it's all business at golf tournaments, but Rose has found that enjoying the atmosphere and meeting others from the Great Britain Olympic scene has been a benefit.
"It's what everyone is here for,'' said Rose, whose 69 on Friday during the second round left him tied for fourth, 4 shots off the lead held by Australia's Marcus Fraser.
"In the wider Team GB, it's what everyone trains for," Rose said. "It's what they expect. I think it's the kind of event that obviously there's three places that are worth shooting for, and then there's kind of you are there to compete as an Olympian.
"At the end of the day, there's a pretty finite goal this week. It's either achieve or you don't. Saying that, you're going to come out of this week with a memory that will last a lifetime. If you don't come away with a medal, I think you're still going to look back fondly on the experience.
"Obviously as a competitor, you're gunning for the top.''
Rose has given himself that chance this weekend at the Olympic Golf Course after rounds of 67 and 69. Ranked 12th in the world, he's gone through a bit of a slow stretch following a back injury that kept him out between the Players Championship and the U.S. Open.
Since returning, Rose has not cracked the top 10 in any event, playing just the three major championships and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
Yet he has gradually returned to form and sees no reason why he can't make a run, despite not being at his best for the first; two days.
"They certainly don't give anything out today, so all you can do is put yourself behind with an uphill struggle, but I feel like I haven't done that,'' Rose said. "I feel like I'm 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 clicked into shape when you need it.''
