Past U.S. Open champion Justin Rose will skip contesting next fortnight’s Shell Houston Open and instead is planning to spend the week at Augusta National.

And after quickly jumping into Arnold Palmer Invitational contention Rose reckons his game is so good he’s going to break from recent tradition of competing in America’s fourth largest city, and instead work on his at the Masters venue where a year ago he finished T2nd behind Jordan Spieth.

“I have been knocking around the top-20 this year already and I feel  am close to playing great, so I am pretty happy where my game is, so I am not playing Houston this year and instead I am going up to play Augusta the week before,  said Rose.after a first day 68 in Orlando.

Justin Rose will not contest Shell Houston Open and instead will spend the week at Augusta National (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

Rose has put himself in position for a first PGA Tour win since capturing last year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

He capped his round of 68 by holing a wedge shot at the third hole for an eagle ‘3’.

“It wasn’t really solid but it was eventful,” said Rose.

“I had an early double bogey and then managed to make birdie somewhere after that and then I was under par.  So very happy with my round.

“I felt the golf course was there for the taking so it would have been a disappointing day to not have finished under par, so to get around in 68 is pretty pleasing.

“And it is one of those rounds you are always happiest about.  I think that’s where experience comes into it.  I stayed cool out there for the most part.  It was a tough day. ”

JUSTIN ROSE – MASTERS RECORD

2003 – T39th

2004 – T22nd

2007 – T5th

2008 – T36th

2009 – T20th

2011 – T11th

2012 – T8th

2013 – T25th

2014 – T14th

2015 – T2nd