Justin Rose enjoys 'US Open champion' tag

Justin Rose has described the "sweet" feeling he had after being announced as the US Open champion on the first tee at the Traveler's Championship on Thursday.

The 32-year-old, who outlasted Phil Mickelson to capture his first Major title at Merion last week, said that he was surprised by how much he enjoyed being reminded of his achievement.

"I got to the first tee and there was a nice crowd assembled there," Sky Sports News quotes Rose as saying.

"I felt very calm, focused and ready to play golf and then that happened (introduced as US Open champion) and I felt a smile come across my face.

"It was a sweeter moment than I thought it would be."

After a patchy start, Rose ended up shooting a three-under 67 at River Highlands, which is good enough for a tie for 18th heading into the second round.