JUSTIN Rose believes that his game is in good shape going into The Open – and he says that lifting the Claret Jug would be a “childhood dream come true."

The north Hampshire golfer will begin his latest Open challenge at Turnberry, in Ayrshire, Scotland, later today.

Rose’s golfing career began at The Open in 1998, when he burst on to the world stage by coming fourth as a 17-year-old amateur – but that remains his only top-10 finish at the championship he wants to win more than any other.

“It’s The Open – the one I have the most history with and one I’d dearly love to win,” he said. “A career that included the Claret Jug would ultimately be the one for me. It would be a childhood dream come true.”

Rose, who grew up in Hook, has endured a disappointing season, missing seven cuts in 17 tournaments, and his world ranking has slipped from a high of six down to 53.

However, the 28-year-old – who is now free of the back problem that forced his withdrawal from the PGA Championship at Wentworth – finished in a tie for 16th at his last tournament and goes into The Open feeling confident after spending a week practising on links courses in Ireland.

“I feel that I am going into The Open under the radar in terms of expectation but feel confident my game is in good shape,” the former Robert May’s School pupil said. “ I am looking forward to building on the good feeling I have got right now.”

Rose will play the first two rounds of the tournament alongside American Hunter Mahan, who beat him in the 2007 World Matchplay Championship, and Argentinean Andres Romero. The trio will tee-off at 1.09pm today and begin their second round at 7.58am tomorrow.