Rose was fifth at the US Open

Justin Rose slipped 16 places to 25th on the Order of Merit after the 2003 European Tour season.

But a fifth place at the US Open and second, partnering Paul Casey for England, at the World Cup provided some notable high points.

The 23-year-old tells BBC Sport of his goals for 2004, and his ambition to make the European Ryder Cup team.

After a good year in 2002, how do you feel about your performance in 2003?
Last year was great - getting my first win on the European Tour in South Africa at the Dunhill at the start of the year followed by winning the British Masters in front of my family really was fantastic.

This year has not contained a win but I have secured my PGA Tour card which was one of my main goals.

Where did you struggle compared to 2002?
It has been a tough year emotionally following the death of my father last year. He was my coach and mentor so I have found it hard when I have wanted to pick up the phone and talk to him as I had been so used to doing.

But I'm pretty happy with where my game is and already looking forward to starting 2004 at the SAA Open in January.

How will you work on your weaknesses?
I have been working a great deal on my game with David Leadbetter, and have also been working with Frank Dick at Stapleford Park who both know me very well and give me great advice.

What's the most valuable piece of advice you were given this year?
That I should really work on my time management and make sure that I plan the use of my time better.

You played in the Seve Trophy and the World Cup - how much did this wet your appetite for team golf and next year's Ryder Cup?
Monty was a great laugh during the Seve Trophy - he even organised a table tennis table for the lads. It was also really nice to play with my best mate on Tour, Ian Poulter.

Rose (right) partnered Paul Casey in the WGC-World Cup

The World Cup was exciting too - Paul Casey and I played well together and finished second. Last year we were third so hopefully next year we can keep improving.

If I were to qualify for the 2004 Ryder Cup matches and play with either Ian or Paul, I think our playing together this year will stand us in good stead.

How much will you be busting a gut to make the Ryder Cup side?
It is one of my main goals for 2004 and has been one ever since I started playing golf. I certainly will do all I can to qualify.

Playing more events in America will certainly make this tougher though.

I would like get another win on the European Tour, and in an ideal world, a win on the PGA Tour would be nice too.

What will you be up to over the Christmas break and how much will you practise?
I will be in South Africa for Christmas with my girlfriend Kate and my family.

We will be going to Trevor Immelman's wedding, and I will have a couple of weeks off before getting my head down to some serious practice getting ready for the SAA Open.

What's been the non-golfing highlight of your year?
Moving into a flat with Kate. It is in a lovely new development on the river and we have had great fun buying the furniture and settling in. And we had a huge housewarming party.

What's the best tip you can offer an amateur golfer to get the best from his game?
A top tip is to make sure you warm up properly. So often you see club golfers arriving in a rush, only just in time for their tee-off.

Getting to the club in time to spend 15-20 minutes hitting some balls on the range and stroking in a few putts can make all the difference.