JUSTIN Rose flew out to America last night admitting he is still waiting to find the spark that will ignite his season.

The 22-year-old left the Forest of Arden in Warwickshire delighted with his final round of 67 but a little frustrated with his overall display at the British Masters. A s defending champion, Rose was hoping for a repeat performance to boost confidence ahead of his US Open debut at Olympia Fields in Chicago this week.

Before yesterday's score, Rose said there were few plusses from the previous few days he could take with him to the States.

Rose said: "It's just not happening for me at the moment and I am getting so frustrated.

"I am making too many silly mistakes and not holing enough putts. I don't feel I am putting badly, but they just aren't dropping.

"I don't feel my game is that far away, but it all comes down to a bit of confidence really.

"I need to find that spark, that little bit of inspiration, to give me a boost and help me build some momentum."

Before the tournament began, Rose thought that spark would come from being holder and playing with close friend Ian Poulter over the first two days.

Rose arrived in the Midlands with happy memories of his win 12 months ago when, battling with Poulter, his final round of 65 at Woburn secured the title by a shot.

The triumph was all the more special because it was the one victory Rose secured in front of his father Ken before he lost his fight with cancer last September.

Given their bond, it is at difficult times like this that the loss of his dad is perhaps even more keenly felt.

As his mentor and best friend, Ken's consoling words, encouragement and ability to hone his son's game are sorely missed.

However, the five-under-par 67 sent Rose to America in a brighter mood. He took a private jet with Darren Clarke from Birmingham airport to cap a hectic weekend.

Rose returned home to Fleet on Saturday for his sister Margie's 21st birthday party but had to be back bright and early for an 8.13am final-round tee-off.

The party and a lack of sleep obviously worked wonders as Rose shot his best round of the week, yet he admitted the positive example of Poulter's renaissance was also a factor.

Rose said: "Form can turn around quickly. Ian is proving that.

"He missed six cuts in a row earlier this season but won at Celtic Manor last week and shot that superb 63 on Saturday to give himself a chance of winning the event."

It is that determination Rose has to take to the US Open this week. And, while it may be too much to ask for Rose to win it, a good showing could well give him the spark he badly wants.

Last Thursday's opening round of 69, three under, left Rose four off the pace.

After starting at the 10th, his late rally included a 15-foot eagle at seven. Rose drove the ball a massive 348 yards to leave an eight iron approach at a hole measuring 524 yards.

Then on Friday, Rose got to five under before a double bogey at the par three eighth halted his charge.

A 39 coming home saw Rose slip to a 75 - a disappointing end to a day that had promised so much.

Afterwards, he said: "It was shocking. The last 12 holes were pretty miserable and I gave myself a mountain to climb."