Justin Rose swings into a new golf season in Hawaii today with the single-minded intention of regaining his world top-50 status.

Last year the 24-year-old Hampshire golfing star was flying back and forth across the Atlantic playing both the European and US PGA Tours.

It didn't work and he slipped to 64th in the world rankings. His best results were in America where he intends to stay for virtually the whole year - the British Open excepted.

Even his entry for the Volvo PGA Championship at Wentworth in May is not set in stone, although Rose himself is anxious to point out that he's not turning his back on Europe altogether.

In his eyes the PGA Tour, where he had four top-ten finishes in 2004, represents his quickest route back into the world's top 50 where he needs to be to secure a place in the first of the majors, the US Masters at Augusta in April.

He warmed up for his first event of the year, the Sony Open, with world number three Ernie Els and the female prodigy, 15-year-old Michelle Wie from Honolulu.

"It should be interesting," smiled Rose, who added: "My swing is good and I'm excited about starting the new season."

Rose is also boosted by the presence of good friend Dave Clark on the bag.