Rose can't believe his 'amazing' five months

Justin Rose can't believe the five 'amazing' months he has had, culminating in his stylish triumph in the Victor Chandler British Masters at Woburn.

"It's pinch yourself stuff," said Rose as he celebrated his one-stroke victory over Ian Poulter, achieved with two closing rounds of 65.

"Four victories is amazing, but I feel comfortable with it and I need to keep working hard. I've got lots of goals for myself."

"The last three wins have been in far and distant places (two in South Africa, one in Japan), so it's very special to be able to give the family a hug this time."

The waiting family members included his father Ken, who recently underwent a stem cell transplant in his battle with leukaemia.

Rose turned professional immediately after his Royal Birkdale heroics four years ago, when he came fourth in the British Open as an amateur, but missed the halfway cut in his first 21 starts.

His recovery from that nightmare has been nothing short of remarkable, especially with his father's illness occupying his mind for many months.

Poulter had given Rose a room in his house for the Woburn tournament - he lives only five miles away - so the Hampshire youngster spared a thought for his host.

"We're very close friends, but it's the first time we've been paired together on tour and for it to be in the last group on the last day was brilliant.

"We said that we'd never had so much fun on the course. He's got to be disappointed, but a one-two for the house isn't bad.

"Ian's cooking for about 60 of us tonight, although I think he might be more interested in drinking than food!

"It was definitely a shame there had to be a loser. He is a great competitor and plays with guts, heart and determination, but the round was played in an incredible spirit."

After the third round Rose had declared his intention to watch the first half of England's World Cup game against Sweden before teeing off - and said other players who chose not to were wimps.

"I was the wimp actually," he stated. "I think I made the right decision not to see it - today was serious.

"I heard the goal from the tented village and a 1-0 win would have made it a really great day."