Justin Rose has admitted that a "mad half-hour" left him with mixed feelings following the opening round of the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.
The world number eight recorded two early birdies before dropping three strokes in two holes, but he was keen to stay positive after carding a three-under-par 69.
"I got out of the gates nice and quickly," Rose told Sky Sports News. "I took advantage of a couple of the easier holes to start my round and then had a mad half hour where I dropped a couple of weak shots.
"When you turn one over on a morning where you feel you can hit the golf course it isn't very good, but you've got to tell yourself that over 72 holes you're going to have those moments where things go against you.
"I feel like the last few years here I've been getting stronger and I feel very good about my game."
Rose is five strokes behind co-leaders Boo Weekley and Brendon de Jonge ahead of day two.
Callum Mulvihill
