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Professional golfer Justin Rose looks to defend his title at the U.S. Open to be held at the Merion Golf Club in North Carolina and hoping to be the second player after Curtis Strange to match golfing legend Ben Hogan to win two titles in a row.

Four-time U.S. Open title holder Hogan accomplished this feat in 1950 and 1951 while Curtis Strange has done it 25 years ago, in 1988 and 1989.

Englishman Rose, turning 34 this coming July, finished second to Tiger Woods at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last March held at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Florida and won the 2013 crown two strokes over Phil Mickelson and Jason Day. He also became the first Englishman in 43 years to have one the U.S. Open.

Rose, now ranked third in the world, will lead four other English players who are all vying for their first major title.

American Mickelson, 33, who was second to Rose last year, says "I feel as good about my game today as I have all year." He hopes to eventually win the U.S. Open having placed second six times in his career.

Three-time U.S. Open winner Tiger Woods won the prestigious tournament in 2000, 2002 and 2008 announced late May that he will be missing this year's tournament at Pinehurst due to a back injury.

"Unfortunately, I won't be there because I'm not yet physically able to play competitive golf," Woods said. "I'd like to convey my regrets to the USGA leadership, the volunteers and the fans that I won't be at Pinehurst. The U.S. Open is very important to me, and I know it's going to be a great week. Despite missing the first two majors, and several other important tournaments, I remain very optimistic about this year and my future." Woods added.

Tagstennis, tiger woods, pinehurst, merion, Justin Rose