Augusta, Apr 11: Briton Justin Rose cannot wait to start his first US Masters. The 22-year-old Earnt his spot in Augusta by climbing into the world's top 50 golfers after winning four titles last year.
And now Rose is ready to put his game to the test on arguably the world's most challenging course. "I'm really relaxed and having a great time," Rose said. "I'm looking forward to starting. "I feel my game's ready. It's just a matter of committing to your shots and taking it on really. There's a lot of danger around this course, but it's going to be a fun week."
Rose may have to get to grips with the noisy crowd and deceptive greens but at least he will start his campaign amongst familiar faces. The Englishman tees-off with practice round partners and friends Charles Howell III and Adam Scott.

"We're right in the middle of the action there and it's going to be a great atmosphere, they are two good friends of mine," Rose said. "We played here on Monday and Tuesday last week. It was beautiful, the greens were fast and there was a nice little wind blowing."



As well as picking up a few pointers from two other promising golfers, Rose has also turned to old hand Nick Faldo for some advice. "He showed me where some of the pin placements are going to be which was pretty handy," Rose revealed. "He was even talking about little chips and putts and where it's good to have your second putt from."



Three-times Masters champion Faldo was coached by David Leadbetter who is now Rose's mentor. And Leadbetter is quietly confident that his young charge will find the Augusta experience to his liking.
"Justin feels like a kid out here, but he's performed well under pressure," said Leadbetter. "You look at the Open last year (where he outscored playing partner Tiger Woods in the first round), he likes the big occasion. I think he'll do fine."


Bureau Report