GOLF ace Justin Rose has set off on his quest for the coveted Green Jacket as he takes part in the first Major of the season - the US Masters.

The aura of the US Masters and the Eden-esque Augusta National is created by amen corner, amazing golf, aromatic azaleas and awe-inspiring beauty.

And on the eve of his second challenge for the winner's jacket and trophy, Rose was happy to share his delight at re-immersing himself among all of the elements that help make the Masters so special.

Speaking from Augusta, Georgia, on Tuesday, Rose told The Gazette: "I'm so excited to be back here at Augusta and competing for a Major title again.

"There's a magical quality about everything at the Masters. The trip up Magnolia Drive to the course is like entering another world. It's just an awesome place and I cannot wait to get started."

Rose's participation in the Masters began yesterday at 1.22pm our time in the company of Chris Di Marco and Rocco Mediate.

And, after spending the last two months competing against some of the world's best pro' golfers on the tough US PGA Tour, the north Hampshire star insists he can produce the goods at Augusta.

He said: "I am feeling good about my game. The things I've been working on with Lead (coach David Leadbetter) are starting to click into place.

"I feel I've been making progress and getting more consistency into all aspects of my game."

The Masters is a tournament Rose, now 23, first fell in love with over a decade ago as a young boy at his family home in Hook.

He recalled how he used to persuade his parents, Ken and Annie, to let him stay up late so that he could watch Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam win their Green Jackets.

Rose laughed: "I had school the next day, but they knew my passion was for golf and let me stay up! It was always so exciting to see what would happen on the back nine and final holes."

The fact he now has the opportunity to emulate his childhood idols, not only in the US Masters but all four Major championships, is a huge thrill.

He said: "Every time I play in a Major, I come away and think how much I want to win that title one day. They are so much bigger than every other tournament.

"To stand up there with your arms around a trophy, or wearing a Green Jacket, well, that's what it's all about, isn't it?

"I feel I'm ready to make an impact in them this year, and to do it this week at Augusta would be fantastic."

Rose, who has been based in America since February, arrived in Augusta on Monday. He has rented a nearby house for the week for his family, girlfriend Kate and her family, and believes it is a much better environment for him to unwind in.

He added: "I'm looking forward to a bit of home cooking after the last eight weeks in hotels!"

On Tuesday, Rose had a full practice round with close friend Ian Poulter, Woosnam and English amateur champion Gary Wolstenholme.

Rose said: "Gary used to be my foursomes partner when I played for England so it was great to catch up with him."

Rose, who made the cut on his debut at the Masters last April, said he tapped into 1991 champion Woosnam's knowledge of Augusta.

And he also has another card up his sleeve - Phil "Wobbly" Morbey, who was Woosnam's caddy in '91. Wobbly became Rose's caddy in August last year, and it's their first Masters together.

"Hopefully, he'll be just as successful with me," quipped Rose.

The eyes of golfers in Britain - and the world over - will be glued to the unfurling action in Georgia over the next three days as Canadian Mike Weir attempts to defend his title against the 94-strong field.

Rose's second round today will feature on BBC Sport's US Masters broadcast on BBC 2 tonight at 9pm.