Justin Rose is taking his British Open preparation to new heights—literally. The world No. 4 is eyeing a truly unique warm-up: a round of golf inside a Premier League stadium.
Everton Football Club is transforming its iconic Bramley-Moore Dock stadium into a one-of-a-kind golf venue. The "Upper Deck Golf" experience will feature tee boxes perched high in the stands, with custom-built greens laid out on the hallowed pitch below. It's a dramatic fusion of two beloved sports, offering a breathtaking view and a serious test of accuracy.
This marks the first time such an event will be staged at a stadium outside North America. Intriguingly, it's scheduled for July 16-19, perfectly coinciding with the Open Championship at the nearby Royal Birkdale. Fans attending can even watch the live action from the major on screens inside the stadium, blending the atmosphere of a major tournament with an immersive golf experience.
Seeing the opportunity, Rose took to social media to propose a stellar pre-Open matchup. Noting he'd be "in the area that week," he challenged fellow English star Tommy Fleetwood to a duel, casually adding, "Sure Everton can sort us out a tee time." It's the kind of high-profile challenge that captures the imagination of golf and football fans alike.
The event falls during Everton's offseason, and the news even seemed to catch manager David Moyes by surprise. When asked about it, he quipped, "Taking big divots out of the pitch, eh?" His reaction highlights the novel nature of turning a soccer pitch into a premier golf destination, showcasing the innovative ways today's athletes seek an edge and new experiences for fans.
