Rose ready for big time

Finishing top European in the US Open has finally convinced Justin Rose that he has the game to win golf 's major titles.

While more experienced players fell prey to an Olympia Fields course that finally bared its teeth in the final round, Rose tamed the sunbaked greens with a oneunderpar 69 to return a tournament total of level par.

A share of fifth place was easily his best result in seven majors as a professional and sends the 22-year-old Englishman into next month's Open Championship at Royal St George's with cautious confidence.

Rose said: "Without saying I feel I'm ready to win a major I believe my game is capable of winning majors in the not too distant future.

"Jim Furyk's win proves you don't have to be a Tiger Woods hitting flash shots all the time in order to win these titles.

"It often comes down to good, solid, sensible golf. Furyk proved that can get the job done and that's what I'm aiming towards.

"My game is at a major level. I was only one shot off third place here and I was right at the top end of the leaderboard."

The difference between then and now is the manner in which Rose is absorbing the advice and experience passed on by golf guru David Leadbetter.

Leadbetter harangued the youngster into a competitive frame of mind. Rose said: "David gave me a bit of a talking too.

"He pointed out that Nick Price had won a lot of his tournaments despite not playing well, and he told me it was a bit ridiculous not being up for a US Open."