Justin Rose revels in 'perfect start' at US PGA Championship

Justin Rose felt he made a "perfect start" at the US PGA Championship after a three-under 69 in the opening round.

The Englishman was two over through four holes after starting on the back nine at Whistling Straights on Thursday.

But Rose recovered with five birdies to finish at three under, three shots behind clubhouse leader, American Dustin Johnson.

The 2013 U.S. Open champion said it was the ideal start, eager to avoid the spotlight early in the tournament.

"Yeah, that's the perfect start, really," Rose said.

"I think obviously when you go and shoot seven-, eight- or nine-under-par in a major in the first round, it's a lot of pressure to absorb for the rest of the week, because you're in contention."

"And I feel like that was, that was a great start for me after being two over and it's a platform on which I can build now for the rest of the week."

"You can never win it on Thursday, you can only lose it. That's obviously a good job done today."