JUSTIN Rose will be hunting his second US Open title, when the tournament start today at Oakmont which is just outside Pittsburgh.

Rose is relishing the challenge that lies ahead as he chases his second Major in three years years.

This is despite playing partner Phil Mickleson’s calling the Oakmont venue - the hardest course ever.

Having declared himself ready to return after a back injury, which kept him out of the BMW PGA Championship and Memorial Tournament.

The 35-year-old, who honed his skills at Tylney Park and North Hants golf clubs, will tee off at 7.09pm BST this evening with Sweden’s Henrik Stenson completing the trio.

However, this could be delayed as severe storms are predicted to hit the area.

On Friday, Rose, Michelson and Stenson are set to start at 1.24pm BST.

When Oakmont last hosted the US Open in 2007, Angel Cabrera won the title with a five over par. Rose finished in a tie for 10th on 11 over after a disappointing 76 in the final round.

Rose said: “I remember it being a classic old course, incredibly difficult, bunkers being amazingly deep.

“Ball striking is at a premium like most US Opens.

"Obviously there has been some varying set ups of late in the US Open, but this is back to the traditional type golf course.

The former Robert May's School pupil added: “It’s a tournament that I am really relishing and looking forward to. I feel like it’s a course that could suit me.

"I feel like most US Open courses suit the way I try to go about things and all eyes are on that prize right now.”

Rose, who took his game to a new level by winning the US Open in 2013, believes patience will again be key.

The 35-year-old said: "That’s how I won at Merion to be fair.

I was four over through 11 and didn’t panic and got it back to shoot 71 the first day. I can always draw upon that experience.

“A US Open can often be last man standing so those are some of the attributes you need to try and get into your head right now.

"I haven’t hit top gear just yet this year so to speak but I am playing really well.”