British golfer Justin Rose captured the first major of his career at the U.S. Open
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Justin Rose is the current U.S. Open champion
- Rose believes there is far less pressure on him than British tennis star Andy Murray
- The 32-year-old is currently ranked third in the world
- Englishman has always dreamed of winning the British Open
(CNN) -- Two men -- two champions -- two completely different worlds.
But for Justin Rose that's the way he likes it.
While Andy Murray has had to carry the weight of British expectation on his shoulders since he emerged as a talented teenager, Rose has been grateful to stay out of the limelight.
The golfer witnessed Murray's dramatic Wimbledon victory over Novak Djokovic from the Centre Court's Royal Box just days after his own triumph -- a first major success at the U.S. Open.
While Rose has been able to progress quietly since bursting onto the scene as a promising amateur in 1997, Murray has had to cope with constant media attention and an entire nation watching his every move.
For Rose, those circumstances make Murray's triumph even more remarkable -- not that he envies the attention which goes with the Scot's success.
Gary Player: Why I love horses
Historic venue welcomes top golfers
Men only at Muirfield
Female graces
The pioneer Babe
Sorenstam a splash
Augusta buster
Tee for two?
All smiles from Els
Open roster
HIDE CAPTION
Read: Rose wins U.S. Open
"I think what he achieved captured the imagination so much," Rose told CNN.
"If I was to go on and win the Open Championship then I think there would be some parallels to that but I'm not always the great British hope.
"I'm now the highest ranked English or British player but there are a few of us. There's Rory, Luke Donald, G-Mac," added Rose, referring to Graeme McDowell. "I don't feel like I'm the only one which Andy is."
Just as Murray's life will never be the same again following his Wimbledon triumph, Rose too must adapt to being a major winner and dealing with all the hype which surrounds such a feat.
Since his victory at Merion, Rose has been on television screens across the world, had his picture splashed on the front cover of magazines and newspapers and appeared on countless talk shows.
For a man who often likes to spend time in the background with his wife Kate and two small children, the hysteria created by his success has come as something as a surprise.
The chance to get back on the golf course at Muirfield offers the chance for solace following a rollercoaster few weeks and Rose simply cannot wait.
Read: Rose shares 'boyhood' dream' with late father
To win your home tournament is the one you dream of winning as a kid. It would be my favorite tournament to win.
Justin Rose
"The Open has a special place in my heart," he said.
"To win your home tournament is the one you dream of winning as a kid. It would be my favorite tournament to win. I'd be grateful to win any tournament really.
"Winning in golf can be far and few between but to win this is what I dreamed of as a kid."
Read: U.S. golf's new kid on the block
It was as a kid that Rose first shot to prominence -- finishing fourth while still playing as an amateur at the 1998 Open at Royal Birkdale at the age of just 17.
His dramatic chip at the 18th from 50 yards went down in Open folklore although Rose admits his memories of the incident are somewhat vague.
"I've watched it and turned up the volume on the 18th to recreate the roar," he said.
"I wish my memory was better. I went numb. It was a crazy way to finish and I don't think I could take it all in.
"I was so young at the time. There was an embarrassed look up to the sky with me thinking, 'what have i just done?' tThat was my reaction with it.
"I've always said that to surpass that achievement I'd have to go on and win the Open. Maybe winning the U.S. Open has done that but I have had a very special relationship with the Open.
"Hopefully that will end up with the Claret Jug," added Rose, referring to the iconic Open trophy
I was so young at the time. There was an embarrassed look up to the sky with me thinking, 'what have i just done?'
Justin Rose
Read: Single-sex clubs? Not just for golfers
Following his success at the Open back in 1998 where he finished one shot behind Tiger Woods and two off the leaders, Rose was expected to bloom.
But after turning professional straight after his historic finish, Rose struggled badly, missing the cut in his first 21 events.
Now, 15 years later, Rose has come through and finally realized the potential which so many saw in him as a skinny teenager.
"I always believed in myself," he added.
"I had to dig in and keep going. I was motivated by the fact I didn't want to be the one week wonder, the flash in the pan at the Open.
"Golf is hard and has many aspects to it. It's as much a mental game as a physical one. I've probably had the talent for a long time and people tell you that you're good enough to do it but you have to truly believe it yourself.
"And when you can truly believe yourself, that's when you can handle the pressure. In the past three or four years, I've developed a real deep rooted sense of belief.
"There was some scar tissue I had to cut down. Missing those 21 cuts was a traumatic start to my professional career.
Tiny island boasts golf legacy
New golf course at St. Andrews

Justin Rose looks skyward apparently in recognition of his deceased father after putting on the 18th hole to win the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
Phil Mickelson celebrates with caddie Jim Mackay after making a shot for eagle on the 10th hole par 4 during the final round on June 16.
Tiger Woods hits from the 5th tee during the fourth round on June 16.
Charl Schwartzel and Steve Stricker examine the green during the final round.
Billy Horschel hits his second shot on the 15th hole on June 16.
Jason Day reacts to his missed putt for birdie on the 15th hole on June 16.
Luke Donald climbs up a bank after hitting out of a water hazard at the 4th hole on June 16.
Justin Rose hits an approach shot on the fourth hole on June 16.
Ian Poulter hits his third shot on the 10th hole during the final round on June 16.
Rory McIlroy hits his second shot on the second hole.
Hideki Matsuyama of Japan talks with caddie Daisuke Shindo on the first hole on June 16.
The names of Phil Mickelson of the United States, Hunter Mahan of the United States, Steve Stricker of the United States and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa are seen on a leaderboard during the final round on June 16.
A gallery of fans follows Tiger Woods and Matt Bettencourt of the United States near the second hole during the final round on June 16.
Phil Mickelson reacts on the 18th green during round three of the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on Saturday, June 15, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
Hunter Mahan hits his second shot on the 14th hole.
A groundhog is seen along the sixth fairway on June 15.
Tiger Woods of the United States putts on the ninth green on June 15.
Justin Rose plans the next shot near the 17th green on June 15.
Steve Stricker drives from the fifth tee on June 15.
Charley Hoffman dries his feet after chipping to the fourth green from a creek during the third round on June 15.
John Senden of Australia putts on the ninth hole on June 15.
Luke Donald hits a shot from a bunker on the 17th hole during round three on June 15.
Cheng-Tsung Pan of Chinese Taipei hits his second shot on the 16th hole during a continuation of round two on June 15.
A caddie rakes a bunker at the 10th hole on June 15.
Sergio Garcia of Spain places a ball on the 17th green on June 15.
Ian Poulter of England waits to putt on the 18th green on June 15.
Phil Mickelson of the United States hits his second shot on the 10th hole during round two of the 113th U.S. Open on Friday, June 14.
Mickelson smiles as he walks off the 11th tee during round two on June 14.
Justin Rose of England lines up a putt on the second green during round two on June 14.
Steve Stricker of the United States hits his second shot on hole two on June 14.
Tiger Woods of the United States hits a chip shot on the eighth hole during round two.
Woods misses a putt for birdie on the ninth hole on June 14.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Woods walk up the 10th hole during round two on June 14.
Bubba Watson of the United States hits his tee shot on the second hole during round two on June 14.
Billy Horschel of the United States waits on the 16th tee with caddie Micah Fugitt during round two on June 14.
Mathew Goggin of Australia hits his second shot on the first hole during a continuation of the first round on June 14. Rain delayed the round on June 13.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits from a bunker on the 15th hole on June 14.
Luke Donald of England walks with caddie John McLaren on the 17th hole on June 14.
Tiger Woods of the United States putts on the 14th hole on June 14.
Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain hits his second shot on the 17th hole on June 14.
England's Ian Poulter tees off at the second hole during the first round on Thursday, June 13.
Roger Tambellini of the United States hits his second shot from a bunker on the first hole on June 13.
Bill Haas of the United States ponders a putt on the 10th hole on June 13.
Ryan Yip of Canada hits his second shot out of a bunker on the 10th hole on June 13.
On the fourth hole, Aaron Baddeley of Australia tees off on June 13.
Lucas Glover of the United States tees off on the 11th hole on June 13.
The gallery takes in the U.S. Open from the 17th hole at Merion Golf Club on June 13.
Steve Stricker of the United States tees off on the 13th hole on June 13.
Rain begins to fall and play is suspended on June 13.
A man looks out over the 18th hole after play was suspended during a storm on June 13.
People traverse the 18th fairway during a weather delay on June 13.
Jason Day of Australia, Rickie Fowler of the United States and Matteo Manassero of Italy play on the 17th green on June 13.
Scott Stallings of the U.S. shoots from a bunker on the 15th hole on June 13.
On the 17th hole, Padraig Harrington of Ireland makes his second shot on June 13.
Cheng-Tsung Pan of Taiwan tees off on the 11th hole during on June 13.
Dustin Johnson of the U.S. tees off on the 18th hole on June 13.
Phil Mickelson of the U.S. watches his shot from the tee of the second hole on June 13.
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
U.S. Open: The best photos
HIDE CAPTION
U.S. Open: The best photos
"Then I had chances to win tournaments but didn't quite put them away and again confidence can be dented. It has been slow progress for me but I've got a good team around me.
"They keep me on track and together we'll put a good game plan."
Read: Mickelson ends 20-year drought in Europe
With one major title under his belt, Rose will now turn his attention to lifting the Claret Jug and fulfilling a childhood dream.
Ranked third in the world below Woods and McIlroy, Rose believes he is finally ready to compete for another major title.
"Winning at Merion has given me a tremendous amount of confidence," added Rose.
"You hope you're good enough to win a major, you think you're good enough to win a major but it's not until you do it that you know you're good enough to win a major.
"You never know how you're going to handle the moment. I always knew I would create chances to win but there have been great players before me that have had chances that have never been able to quite put it away.
"I feel fortunate to have that monkey off my back. I feel like I've only been ready to win majors in the past year or two. Hopefully now I've now got five to 10 years of good golf left in me. Hopefully I can draw upon that experience in a similar situation."