ROSE IS NEW WORLD No 1

Ryder Cup star becomes fourth Englishman to reach global summit

JUSTIN ROSE admitted his “boyhood dream” of becoming world No 1 was tainted by his agonising play-off defeat at the BMW Championship.

The Englishman climbed to the top of the rankings above American trio Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas after securing at least second place at the event in Philadelphia.

But his achievement was then slightly overshadowed following a disappointing additional hole at the Aronimink Golf Club that saw him edged out by winner Keegan Bradley.

“I know there is a bit of good news, but it kind of takes a slight bit of the edge off,” Rose said.

Speaking about his new ranking, he added: “That’s obviously boyhood dream stuff, something I’m incredibly proud of.

“I now have another string to the bow; if you’re trying to sum up my career in three sentences, world No 1 would be right up there with the other achievements.

“I’m very proud of it, it’s been a good stretch of golf, I’ve really played solidly for over a year.

“I always envisaged myself getting to world No 1 by winning tournaments and the last two weeks I haven’t won.

“But delighted to have got to the top, absolutely.”

Rose looked on course for the 10th PGA Tour title of his career after American Bradley bogeyed the 18th following a wild tee shot.

The 38-year-old narrowly missed a putt for par though, leaving the pair level on 20 under and forcing the additional hole.

Bradley, who fired a six-under 64 in the final round after beginning the day three shots behind Rose, had been watching anxiously at the side of the course with his family and he then returned to take advantage of his extra opportunity.

“The putt I hit to, I thought, win the tournament was probably as good a putt as I have ever hit to try and win a tournament and to see that spin out was unfortunate,” added former US Open champion Rose, who carded a three-under 67 on his final round.

“Then we all saw the play-off, that was terrible, but it’s one of those things.

“That’s the thing with suddendeath play-offs, you make a mistake and it’s all over.”

Rose is the fourth Englishman to be world No 1 after Nick Faldo, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.

After the event United States captain Jim Furyk named Tony Finau as his final wild card selection for the Ryder Cup.