GOLF will take centre stage in the sporting world this weekend as the Ryder Cup takes place in Scotland – and Justin Rose is hoping to play a pivotal role in his first match on home soil.

The Hook golfer will be playing in his third Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, having represented Europe in 2008 and 2012.

However, both of those matches were played in America, and the 34-year-old is excited about playing in front of a passionate home crowd.

“I have never played a home match, so I just can’t wait to feel the home crowd behind me,” he said. “I can’t wait to get on that first tee and feel that support at a home match.

“The travelling fans are always amazing and you can hear them because they work so hard to be heard, but it’s all about strength in numbers, and it’s going to be amazing.”

Rose is hoping to be paired with close friend Ian Poulter during the first two days of the competition.

The duo have a played well together in the Ryder Cup, winning four out of five matches they have played. It’s a fine record, and one that Rose hopes they will get the chance to improve this weekend.

“We are different personalities and different players but opposites attract,” the former Robert May’s School pupil said. “A nice mix is always good. We complement each other really well because we know each other really well.

“It is about being comfortable out there knowing that if one of us messes up or hits a bad shot, we are not dwelling on it more than we should because of how good a friendship we have.

“I would relish the opportunity to play with Poults in whatever format. I have only ever won with Poults and in singles, so I have obviously got to back my man and get out there with him. I have been a good fit for him and he has been a good fit for me.”

Rose’s Ryder Cup debut ended in defeat at Valhalla in 2008. He missed Europe’s victory at Celtic Manor in 2010 but was a key member of the side that staged a dramatic comeback to claim victory at Medinah two years ago.

On a personal level, the Hook man has a good record, having won six and lost three of his matches, but he admits that the pressure is ramped up a notch for the event.

“The Ryder Cup is a unique event and a unique experience for everyone involved,” he said. “For the players, the pressure and tension and nerves are different to anything else we experience in the game.

“It’s different to the majors, where we are playing for ourselves. I think the Ryder Cup is probably more nerve-racking because you are playing for your teammates.

“It feels more important to win that point because so many people are depending on you, and then sometimes in that situation you don’t even want to think about the fact you are representing the whole continent.”