By Matt Slater Golf editor

Rose's November win was the climax of two great months of golf

England's Justin Rose believes he is finally set for a breakthrough season in the US after three years of "reconnaissance" on the PGA Tour.

Rose finished 2006 in superb form and he just missed his first US win at the Bob Hope Classic earlier this month.

"I think the transition work and getting comfortable out there has been done," said the 26-year-old.

"Whether I have a big year or not, I at least have the opportunity to do so. I have every chance to really kick on."

Rose, who burst on to the scene with a stunning display at the 1998 Open as an 18-year-old amateur, moved from the European Tour to the US circuit in 2004.

Year-on-year, his progress in America has been steady rather than spectacular - 62nd on the money list in 2004, 55th in 2005 and 47th last year.

But the manner in which Rose finished 2006 suggests the South African-born golfer is getting back to the form he showed in 2002, the year he first delivered on his undoubted talent by winning four titles worldwide.

I have improved by being over here - the courses force me to be a better player Justin Rose

A share of fourth at the Deutsche Bank Championship in early September was followed by two top-15 finishes and a tie for second in Texas at the end of the month.

He then narrowly missed out again on a maiden PGA Tour win when he finished fourth at the Disney Classic in Florida in October.

But his consistent play was finally rewarded with a victory at the end of November, albeit on a rare return to the European Tour, at the Australian Masters.

That triumph catapulted him up the rankings to 51st, and a third-place finish in his first event of 2007, the Bob Hope, lifted Rose to 36th - matching his best ranking in 2002.

606 DEBATE: Does a first US win seem imminent for Justin Rose?

The man himself is in no doubt as to why his game has clicked into place - the positive influence of his new coach Nick Bradley and his increasing confidence on the American tour.

He is also convinced that the decision to move to the US is about to be vindicated with an upswing in performance and results.

"I have improved by being over here," he said. "The courses force me to be a better player.

Rose faded at the Bob Hope but a US win is on the horizon

"You can't get away with much. The cuts are very low considering how tough the courses are, so there is really very little margin for error."

It would be remiss to fail to point out that a career on the US Tour is a handsomely rewarded one but the move has not been without costs to Rose.

"It's not the easiest decision to make," he said. "Lifestyle-wise it's a big change.

"And there are lots of things I miss about the European Tour. I've got lots of friends there and I miss the camaraderie.

"In America the guys travel with their families. There aren't so many long-haul flights or big time changes so it's easier to have your family on the road with you.

"But on the European Tour you could be in South Africa or Australia or wherever. You fly out together on Monday morning and everybody is in the hotel on Sunday night. Everybody gets together and has dinner and a few beers - that creates camaraderie.

"I've also missed out on the Ryder Cup the last two times.

"I really miss team golf. As an amateur you play a lot of it but as a professional there are very few opportunities to play team golf and the Ryder Cup is the pinnacle. I'm certainly going to do everything I can to make the next one."

A successful 2007 would be a good start but he is reluctant to nail down too many targets for the new year.

It was the Aussie Masters in 2006 but Rose has designs on Augusta

"To have a multiple winning season and get into the top 20 would be fantastic. I'd certainly be happy with that," he said.

"But I don't like to have specific things set in stone. I prefer to focus on the process, the day in, day out stuff.

"If I say my goal is to tee up 100% prepared for every event I play, and have the discipline not to play if I'm not in the right state of mind, that would be a more worthwhile goal because results take care of themselves when the process is working well."

Having forced his way back into the top 50, the passport to the top events in world golf, Rose can now tailor his schedule to maximise his chances in the tournaments that really matter, the four majors.

And with the current crop of British golfing talent all riding high in the rankings, the race is on for one of them to break this country's run without a major title - a drought that is in its seventh year.

Rose is delighted so many of his compatriots, and friends, are playing well - "it inspires me to do better" - but had a succinct answer to the question, "so which one of you is going to win a major first?"

"Me! I've got a good chance at Augusta, providing I get in, and obviously I've had great experiences at the Open."

But first it's back to the day job of tour golf at next week's FBR Open, his 99th start on the American circuit. What price Rose breaking his US duck before bringing up his PGA Tour ton?