US Open champ Justin Rose can inspire a generation in Sussex

Justin Rose passes on his golfing expertise to juniors at Goodwood

NEW US Open champion Justin Rose’s link-up with Goodwood is inspiring West Sussex youngsters to high-level golfing success.

And bosses at the acadmey reckon the star’s involvement can encourage lots more local youngsters both to take up the sport and to reach a very high level.

Rose joined forces with Golf at Goodwood as their ambassador just weeks before becoming the first English golfer since Tony Jacklin in 1970 to win the US Open.

He has already visited Goodwood to pass on tips to young players - and plans further visits soon when he is sure to be over-run by local golfers, young and not-so-young, hoping some of his talent will rub off on them. He may even visit just before or just after The Open, which takes place at Muirfield in a fortnight.

Rose’s recent visit has coincided with three of the Goodwood juniors who he met enjoying notable successes.

n Seven-year-old Harry Callow from Midhurst had a win on the famous Sunningdale course on the Trail Blazers junior tour.

n Marco Penge, 15, from Worthing, an England under-18 player, caddied for Rose when he visited Goodwood and has won the Fairhaven Trophy, regarded as one of the major events in British junior golf,

n Alfie Simpson has been selected to play for Sussex under-13s - despite being just nine himself.

Ryan Fenwick, academy development manager for Golf at Goodwood, said Rose’s involvement was fantastic for all concerned.

“I grew up playing golf with Justin - I’ve known him since I was 14 - and it’s great we’ve been able to get him as our ambassador,” Fenwick said.