US Open 2014: Justin Rose confident for title defence

British golfer Justin Rose says he is pleased with his form as he prepares to defend his US Open title at Pinehurst, which gets under way on 12 June.

The 33-year-old won his first major at Merion Golf Club last year.

Rose has been in good form recently, finishing fifth at the Wells Fargo Championship, followed by fourth place at the Players Championship last week.

Rose told BBC South Today: "I'm trending in the right direction. It's all about picking up a trophy now."

He became the first Englishman for 43 years to win the US Open and first English player to win a major since Nick Faldo in 1996.

He says it will feel different turning up in Pinehurst as the defending champion, but will be looking to use that to his advantage.

"I've played three majors now as a major champion," he said. "I think turning up to majors having won one does feel different.

"You've got that extra bit of confidence that if you find yourself down the stretch on a Sunday, you've got a lot of positive experience to draw on.

"You know you've done it before, you know you've hit those shots under pressure before.

"I think that's when it will help me. I've not really been able to recreate that opportunity but hopefully Pinehurst will do that for me."

The year looks set to be another busy one for Rose, who says making the European team for the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles in September is a huge priority, following his exploits in 2012 during the 'Miracle at Medinah'.

"It's a big goal of mine to make the team as I've never experienced a home Ryder Cup," he said.

"To play in front of a home set of fans would be amazing and I relish that opportunity.

"Winning as an individual a major championship is great because your hard work has paid off, but celebrating and winning as a team is one moment I will never forget."