Rose says US Open win 'only possible' after healing of 'traumatic' early career 'scars'

South African golfer Justin Rose has admitted that his US Open triumph was only possible after the healing of the scars from his 'traumatic' early career.

Although the new world No.3 has been tipped for greatness ever since making his name as a teenage amateur at The Open in 1998, however, that period was followed by a depressing 21 successive missed cuts as a fledgling professional, the Mirror reports.

Stating that the wounds of those painful experiences had hurt him badly for years and affected his confidence, Rose, however, said that he believed that he had been edging closer to a first Major win for three years, adding that he may have had a traumatic start to his professional career as he came on the golf scene before he was ready to handle it.

According to Rose, he was desperately trying not to fade away and be known as just a one-hit wonder during the dark times of his career, although he accepted that 'scar tissue on the golf course' takes time to heal.

Terming golf as a cruel game, Rose further said that he has managed to achieve success as deep down, he always knew that he had a talent to play the game, apart from believing in himself, adding that he feels that he has come full circle confidence-wise and game development-wise.

Rose credits working with Tiger Woods' coach Sean Foley since 2009 for helping him progress into one of the best ball strikers on tour.

The first Englishman to win a one of the majors since Nick Faldo in 1996, Rose was ecstatic after a tap-in at the last gave him a level par final round at Merion to be crowned US Open champion, the report added.