Justin Rose relishing underdog tag at Le Golf National

Justin Rose believes being underdogs for the 2018 Ryder Cup will help bring Europe together and spur them on to victory.

World number 13 Rose was part of the Europe side that were convincingly defeated by the USA at Hazeltine last year and the challengers will be aiming to win back the trophy at Le Golf National in France.

Thomas Bjorn is the captain for next year’s event, taking over from previous skipper Darren Clarke, and the Dane will be watching the European players intently over the next 10 months.

America, who are led by Jim Furyk, are looking ominously strong at the moment with Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler and Brooks Koepka all in the world top-10.

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy will be hoping to rediscover his best form after a disappointing season whilst Englishman Paul Casey will have to make a decision on whether to rejoin the European Tour to boost his chances of making the team.

Rose is expected to feature in the Ryder Cup for a fifth time and he believes going into the contest as underdogs will only help Europe’s chances of winning back the trophy.

“We have competed well but the European team relish the underdog role and certainly I am well more motivated going into Paris than I was at Hazeltine,” he told Sky Sports. “Losing the Ryder Cup hurts more than winning feels good – so the whole team is going to galvanise and get together.

“We know we are playing against one of the strongest US teams ever so to beat them we have got to come together.”

Tagged Justin Rose, Ryder Cup