Justin Rose to receive Spirit of Golf award

The Englishman will be recognised for his contribution to the junior game.

Justin Rose will be awarded the Golf Foundation's Spirit of Golf award at St Andrews later today.

The award is given to golfers who are deemed to be inspirational to junior golfers, enabling the Golf Foundation to oversee the growing of the game.

Rose, who comes into St Andrews on the back of a 74th placed finish at the Scottish Open, follows Darren Clarke in receiving the award.

The Englishman was supported by the Golf Foundation when he was a junior golfer and was given their Outstanding Achievement Award in 1996 following a number of amateur wins.

Rose has gone on to appear in Ryder Cup teams, including the victorious side of 2014 at Gleneagles, and win the US Open in 2013.

The Foundation's aim is to increase accessibility for young golfers through its HSBC Golf Roots programme in communities and schools.

Each year the Foundation aims to encourage 500,000 children to take up golf and to create 5,000 new club members.

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Golf Foundation chairman Charles Harrison said: "After showing great determination to break into the professional ranks, Justin has been the model tournament professional.

"Absolutely focused at all times on preparation and performance, yet always playing the game in an exemplary spirit, sporting values this charity holds dear.

"Justin is undoubtedly a great inspiration to young players everywhere and we are delighted to present him with our Spirit of Golf Award," he added.

Past winners include Gary Player (2007), Tony Jacklin (2008), Lee Westwood (2009), Ian Poulter (2010), Ernie Els (2011), Peter Alliss (2012), Tom Watson (2013) and Clarke.

Rose is one of the favourites to lift the Claret Jug at St Andrews later this week as he attempts to win the Open for the first time.

He missed the cut on his last visit to the Old Course in 2010.