Justin Rose Reflects on Near Win at the Masters
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — As Justin Rose traveled away from Augusta National, he couldn’t shake the feeling of how close he came to clinching the Masters title.
Throughout his drive to Hilton Head Island, his phone buzzed with countless messages praising his impressive comeback and expressing sympathy for his second-place finish behind Rory McIlroy.
Starting the final round seven shots behind the leader, Rose seemed unlikely to contend, yet he made a critical 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, finishing with a 66 and earning a spot in a sudden-death playoff. Unfortunately, he lost to McIlroy, who secured victory with a stellar shot that left him just 3 feet from the hole.
Processing the Close Call
“There’s been a lot of outpouring from people with positive comments, so I’m trying to absorb that and process the week,” Rose shared during his remarks at the RBC Heritage. “Yet, I can’t help but look at my phone, wishing for a different message.”
A Familiar Path
This isn’t Rose’s first experience with disappointment at the Masters. In 2017, he held a two-shot lead with only six holes remaining when Sergio Garcia staged a remarkable comeback to also force a playoff, where he ultimately triumphed over Rose.
Grace in Defeat
Rose exhibited grace in both defeats, showing heartfelt support for Garcia back in 2017, and this past Sunday, he congratulated McIlroy on his remarkable achievement of completing the career Grand Slam. Despite feeling the sting of defeat, he was proud of his performance, noting that he matched the best score for the final round with a 66 and achieved a crucial birdie when it mattered most. However, the absence of a green jacket casts a shadow over his achievements.
Looking Ahead
As a result of his playoff losses, Rose has joined Ben Hogan as the only golfers to suffer two sudden-death defeats at the Masters. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful and focused on continuing to improve his game. “If I reflect on the best golf I’ve played, the period from August 2017 through the end of ’18 stands out as my most consistent,” he expressed. Now facing the milestone of turning 45 later this year, Rose believes he can recreate that success.
Staying Motivated
Despite nearing 28 years as a professional golfer, Rose finds motivation in the thrill of competition and memorable moments, like his final putt at Augusta and pivotal shots at the Ryder Cup. “I feel like I’m close to achieving something significant,” he concluded, indicating his readiness for the upcoming PGA Championship.
