Masters place for Rose

Justin Rose is set to make his US Masters debut this year after being named as one of 96 invited players.

The Hampshire-based golfer has received an invitation from Hootie Johnson, chairman of the Masters tournament and the Augusta National club, courtesy of his top-50 finish in the 2002 world rankings in which he finished 39th.

Rose, who made his name as an amateur when he tied for fourth at the Open in 1998, joins fellow Britons Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, Paul Lawrie, Sandy Lyle and Colin Montgomerie on the invited list.

Johnson said: “The international representation of players in this year’s field is outstanding. We have the best players from the US and around the world competing in the 2003 Masters.”