Young Rose blossoming among the azaleas

JUSTIN ROSE made sure that a "dream start" wasn't half the battle when he signed for a splendid five under par 67 in the first round of the US Masters.

The South African-born 23-year- old from Hampshire took advantage of his birdies at the first two holes to pick up four more strokes while allowing for only one concession at the short 11th.

When play was interrupted by an electrical storm shortly after 4pm, just over half the field had completed their rounds with Rose two ahead of Americans Chris DiMarco and Jay Haas, with Darren Clarke next best of those in the clubhouse on two under 70. It was a solid performance by Rose, who has concentrated exclusively on the US circuit for two months.