Justin Rose grouped with Mickelson as American begins US Open defence on June 12

England's Justin Rose has reportedly been drawn to play with Phil Mickelson as the American ace begins his US Open title defence at Pinehurst on June 12.

Mickelson, who finished joint second at Merion 12 months ago in the only Major he has not won, and Rose will play with Sheffield's US Amateur Champion Matt Fitzpatrick.

According to the BBC, meanwhile Irishman Rory McIlroy will tee off from the 10th with the 2010 winner and fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell and 2012 champion Webb Simpson.

It is for the first time in four years that organisers have avoided putting the top three players in the world rankings together, with world number one Adam Scott and third placed Bubba Watson being grouped with 2011 Masters winner Charl Schwartzel, while world number two Swede Henrik Stenson to play in the company of American Matt Kuchar and England's Lee Westwood.

Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia will begin his bid for a first Major alongside Australian Jason Day and America's Brandt Snedeker, the report added.

Meanwhile the grouping of Jordan Spieth, Hideki Matsuyama and Rickie Fowler has put together three of the golf's youngest stars to be drawn together, the report further added.