JUSTIN ROSE secured the best-ever finish from a debutante in a World Golf Championship tournament when he finished fifth in the NEC Invitational at Sahalee Country Club in Seattle.

In the process, the 22-year-old Hook golfer picked up a cheque for £121,974 and added to the debate raging over whether he should be drafted in to the Ryder Cup team, particularly with so many of Sam Torrance's side playing abysmally.

However, the way his year is going, Rose (pictured) is unlikely to complain if he is not at The Belfry in September.

This was only his second professional event in the United States and yet again the young man added to his growing reputation as a force in world golf.

Opening scores of 67, 67 and 72 left Rose in fourth position heading into the final day, the putter having let him down during the third round en route to his only round above par.

However, a round of 68, a total of 274 and 10 under par, concluded his special fortnight in America.

He said afterwards: "What a day! After Saturday's disappointments with the putter, I had one of those rounds when I didn't make a lot of pars but got the job done to finish fifth.

"With the course firming up, and with the usual Sunday pin placements, shooting a low number was going to be hard.

"I got the day off to a great start with a birdie on the first hole but then I dropped a couple of shots with back-to-back bogeys at the second and third."

Rose rallied to shoot 33 going out, two under par, and his mixed bag continued for the back nine. He again started with a birdie and two consecutive bogeys.

He said: "I didn't play the par fives well today, but I am happy with my finish."

He concluded: "It's not been a bad couple of weeks for my first trip across the pond and I hope I can keep my good play going for the rest of the year."