Rose wants to mix it with the best

Justin Rose feels his best golf is still ahead of him as he aims to challenge the top four in the world rankings.

Rose, who hasn’t played since scoring a course-record 62 at the Hero World Challenge late last year, returns to action at the Farmers Insurance Open in California this week.

The 35-year-old revealed he feels "fresh, fit and young" and ready to compete with the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler at the top of the sport.

South African-born Rose says the form of the world’s elite golfers has pushed him to strive to improve his game.

"There's definitely been that really evident shift the last few months, especially with Rickie stepping up and winning tournaments and fulfilling all his potential," said Rose ahead of his next event in San Diego.

"I think it's really great for golf to see those guys step up. And there's plenty of guys like Bubba Watson, myself and Henrik Stenson right behind them. We're obviously doing our best to remind them that it's not just a young man's game.

"I still feel, at 35 now, that my best golf is still ahead of me. I'm still in that sort of sweet spot where I'm feeling fit and feeling fresh and feeling young. I'm also feeling experienced, and hopefully can use all those attributes to still play my greatest golf yet.

"It's inspiring to see what the young guys are doing, but at the same time it's also motivating to sort of keep pace."

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