( CNN ) -- Justin Rose is looking to repeat the feat of golfing legend Ben Hogan as he defends his U.S. Open title at Pinehurst 's No.2 course this week . Rose won his first major title at Merion and will be looking for a rare double success in North Carolina . Hogan won both the 1950 and 1951 U.S . Opens with his initial victory at Merion . Only Curtis Strange , 25 years ago , has completed two wins in two years in the tournament since Hogan 's double triumph . Rose admits that the Merion precedent has been on his mind as he contemplates his title defense which begins Thursday . `` I 've allowed myself that thought for sure , '' Rose told gathered reporters . `` I feel like the U.S. Open test suits me . `` For me being defending champion , I do n't even like that word , defending , because it puts you already behind the eight ball . You do n't want to be out there being defensive at all . '' Rose heads a strong English contingent , which also includes Lee Westwood , Ian Poulter , Luke Donald and Paul Casey , all seeking an elusive first major . A keen football fan , he nonetheless rated their collective chances of success at Pinehurst above that of England at the World Cup in Brazil . `` I would say there 's probably more chance of one of us winning the major than England winning the World Cup potentially , '' Rose said . `` So sad to say , but . '' `` Blind faith that England will get far in the tournament prevails , so we 'll see , '' Rose added . Phil Mickelson , runner-up to Rose last year , cruelly occupying that position for the sixth time at the U.S. Open believes he is capable of another strong challenge despite indifferent form this year . `` I feel as good about my game today as I have all year , '' Mickelson said . `` It 's not saying a lot , because I have n't played well all year , but last week was a good week for me . I started to slowly put it together . '' His 11th placed finish at the St.Jude Classic Sunday was his best of the season , but he went into last year 's British Open at Muirfield on a similar run and triumphed in style . Masters winner Bubba Watson is also strongly tipped to challenge for his second major of the season , but believes Pinehurst 's domed greens will test his patience . `` I would n't say unfair . I would just say they 're very difficult , '' he said . `` When I say unfriendly it 's because they 're trying to beat you , '' he added . Former world number one Tiger Woods is sitting out his second straight major as he rehabilitates after back surgery , with Australian Adam Scott going into the week as the top-ranked player .
Justin Rose defends his U.S. Open title at Pinehurst . Rose bidding to become first man for 25 years to repeat . Phil Mickelson looking to complete career grand slam . Tiger Woods ruled out through injury .