Justin Rose was happy his putting held up on Sunday

Justin Rose says he hopes to move into his prime as one of golf's leading contenders following a breakthrough success at the Memorial Tournament.

Rose, 29, overturned an overnight four-shot deficit to beat American Rickie Fowler, who had led for three days, by three shots with an 18-under-par total.

The English pro said of his first win in the US: "When it takes so long sometimes it become harder and harder.

"I hope to be moving into my prime for the next 10 years. We'll see."

Rose's success vaulted him into contention for a spot in Europe's team for the Ryder Cup in October - he is now eighth on the world points list - and he also sees his world ranking improve to 33rd.

The third UK golfer to win in the US this season, he had won six times around the world before his success in Ohio.

Rose was proudest about his putting, which has not always stood up to pressure situations on the final day of tournaments.

He said: "Putting is the area that has let me down and the area I have questioned in terms of winning.

"It was nice to put that to bed on demanding greens and make some putts when I needed.

"The kind of day we got didn't do Rick any favours. It was a tough day to hang on to a lead, I've been in that situation before.

"Sometimes starting a few shots back is the position to be in. I could play somewhat aggressively when I had the opportunity but also knew patience was going to pay off."

A key moment for Rose came on the 16th green while holding a two-stroke lead. A thunderous roar came from the nearby 15th hole and he assumed Fowler had made an eagle.

Rose coolly rolled in his 13-foot birdie putt for some added breathing room, only to discover later on that it was Ricky Barnes, not involved in the challenge for top honours, who had holed his wedge for eagle.

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Rose was marked for greatness when he pitched in at the last hole to tie for fourth place in the 1998 Open at Royal Birkdale.

But his career has endured some ups and downs and he had not enjoyed a tournament win anywhere for more than two years.

"Until you win over here, you don't feel like you've really achieved all you want to in the game," he stated.

At the end, Rose was greeted by wife Kate and 15-month-old son Leo, who clapped his hands as his father held him.

Jack Nicklaus, the Memorial founder and host, came away impressed with what he saw from Rose.

"He never made any mistakes," Nicklaus said of Rose. "He just played good, solid golf."

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