Friday 16 January 2015 15:12, UK
Justin Rose believes he has positives to take from his opening two rounds in Abu Dhabi, but he admits he has plenty of improvements to make in his all-round game.
The world No 6 followed up a disapppointing opening-round 73 with an improved three-under 69 to make the halfway cut with nothing to spare, although he is 11 shots adrift of leader Martin Kaymer at the halfway stage.
Rose caused himself problems with a bogey-filled back nine during the first day at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, but four birdies and just one error on day two proved enough for the Englishman to progress.
"I didn't play well at all," Rose said. "In fact I played awfully. But you get yourself into situations where sometimes you have to work hard to make a cut.
I was happy with my short game coming in, under pressure, grinding to make pars when I needed to, so that's a good sign
"I've certainly got a lot of work to do. I was happy with my short game coming in, under pressure, grinding to make pars when I needed to, so that's a good sign.
"I'm not concerned about my long game. It's the strength of my game normally, so hopefully that should click back into gear. I was proud of the way I battled away today."
No expectations
The former US Open champion joins a host of players on two under for the tournament - one shot below the cut mark - including Ricke Fowler, Ernie Els and last week's South African Open winner, Andy Sullivan.
Rose could only watch on as playing partner Kaymer continued to top the leaderboard thanks to an impressive five-under 67 but admits he didn't head in to the opening event of the European Tour's Desert Swing with any expectations of contending.
"I was looking at both of these weeks as my pre-season," Rose added. "There's a good field here, you want to contend, but I was very aware I was going to have to see how my game went.
"Hopefully, it gives me two more days to work on my game and get some momentum going as I start the season.
"I still feel capable of a couple of mid-60s around here if I get going, but whatever happens I'll take positives out of this week that I'll be able to build upon."
Watch day three of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship live from 9am on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.
