Rose to defend Masters title

Justin Rose will defend his British Masters title at the Forest of Arden from June 5-8.

Rose had considered missing the event, scene of his first professional victory on home soil, in order to prepare for the US Open in Illinois the following week.

But the 22-year-old today confirmed he will join Ryder Cup stars Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke in the hunt for the £250,000 (€362,000) first prize.

Rose said: “It means a lot to me to be defending my first title on home turf at The Daily Telegraph Damovo British Masters in June.

“It’s exciting to be playing a different course (Rose won at Woburn last year) and to have new sponsors. It should be a great event.”