PGA Championship: Justin Rose thrives on 'home course' pressure

Justin Rose has vowed to thrive on the pressure of being a local boy at this year's Wentworth PGA Championship.

The world number four grew up in Surrey and was a member at North Hants Golf Club, 15 miles from the West Course.

"It's always a really good week for me. Nostalgia, family, friends," he said.

"I'm a hometown boy almost and even though there's pressure in every round you play, it's unique here. If you get in contention the vibe, pressure and support ends up being in your favour."

He added: "I feel I've got a lot better at dealing with it as it's hugely positive.

"If I don't quite have my game then it just wasn't my week, but if I'm up there everyone's behind me."

The 32-year-old finished in a tie for second place last year as Luke Donald secured back-to-back victories.

Rose goes into this week's championship looking for his first tournament victory in over a year, since he won the WGC-Cadillac Championship in March 2012.

"I say it every year but this is the tournament I used to come and watch as a kid with a backpack full of sandwiches," he continued.

"I'd watch the great players and dream of being in that situation one day so tournaments like last year are quite surreal.

"Winning would be great but, as I learnt, losing it hurts even more - it's a really important tournament for me."

Donald is hoping to win his third title, emulating former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie's successes in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

"It's very nice to be back at Wentworth where I have a lot of great memories," he said. "This tournament has always been very special.

"I have to treat this as an opportunity to win another tournament, trying not to think about three in a row so much, but it would be great to emulate what Monty did.

"I just come in with a little bit more excitement about being here because of previous results and I think that's how you gain confidence and feeling good about yourself from having done it before.

"Since the changes here, the course seems to have really suited my game and I feel very comfortable around this place, so hopefully more of the same this year."

The build-up to the tournament has come at the same time as the decision to ban the anchoring of putters from 2016.

The announcement, made by the R&A in conjunction with the US Golf Association, has led to South Africa's Tim Clark considering legal action.

"I'm for the ban, it's the right decision," Rose added.

"I do feel for the guys that have putted like that their whole career but I support it because I believe the anchored system makes it easier to put under pressure."