Rose and caddy Mick Doran talk tactics

Rose first made headlines by finishing fourth at the 1998 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale as an amateur.

He immediately turned pro, and there followed one of the most intensely scrutinised debuts ever made in European golf.

Rose struggled with the pressure, missing the cut in 21 successive tournaments.

But this year he has come into his own, with two wins in South Africa and one in Japan as well as victory in the Victor Chandler British Masters.

He was also in contention until the closing holes at The Open and has risen to number 39 in the world.

"The missed cuts, I don't really remember much of it now, other than it seems to be a very, very long time ago," said Rose.

"To be honest, I think all the bad experiences I went through really toughened me up. Made me learn a lot about myself.

"So although they were bad times I think that they did stand me in good stead for playing better golf in the future."

The 22-year-old arrived at Hazeltine with the aim of a top-20 finish.

But after finishing the first day just one shot off the lead he must now be considered a contender.

And despite playing his first professional tournament in the United States, there is every chance that Rose will be the calmest player on the course.

"I've been sort of unbelievably relaxed this week," he said.

"I didn't have any nerves on the first tee whatsoever. I didn't have any nerves this morning.

"I felt very comfortable in the situation of competing in a major in America."