LOCAL STAR IN THE MIX TO CLAIM 'SPECIAL' WIN

JUSTIN ROSE claimed he has “the bit between his teeth” as he bids to win the BMW PGA for the first time this weekend at his 20th attempt.

- By Neil McLeman

The Ryder Cup star birdied his final two holes in the rain last night to shoot a 66 to sit just a shot off the lead held by Hideki Matsuyama.

Rose, 45, came to Wentworth to watch as a child and has twice finished runner-up here in 2007 and 2012.

And even though this week has been dominated by the Ryder Cup, the 2013 US Open champion has got more immediate business before taking the team flight for the recce mission to New York tomorrow night.

“This event has always been on my bucket list — it feels like a home game,” said Rose. “This is just below the Majors to me, it’s our equivalent of the Players and it’s one that P’ve always wanted to win. I'm from the area and it’s special to me.