Reflections on a Near-Miss at the Masters
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — The journey away from Augusta National led Justin Rose to contemplate how narrowly he missed taking home the Masters title.
While heading to Hilton Head Island, his phone buzzed with an influx of texts congratulating him on his impressive comeback and expressing sympathy for his second-place finish after losing to Rory McIlroy.
After beginning the final round trailing by seven shots, Rose made a stunning leap, sinking a 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th, resulting in a playoff that he ultimately lost to McIlroy’s exceptional three-foot birdie.
“There’s been a lot of support from people sending me positive messages, but I’m also looking at my phone and wishing for different news,” Rose explained during Wednesday’s press conference at the RBC Heritage.
This isn’t new territory for Rose. He faced a similar heartbreak in the 2017 Masters, holding a two-shot lead with only six holes left, only to be overtaken by Sergio Garcia, a close friend, who also forced a playoff and won.
Even in defeat, Rose graciously congratulated McIlroy, expressing happiness to witness such a significant achievement of the career Grand Slam.
This loss is particularly painful for Rose, as he reflects on the missed opportunities and the remarkable golf he played, matching the lowest final round score with a 66, but still walking away without the coveted green jacket. Appearing contemplative, he stated, “It’s kind of… tormented, probably, by what could have been.”
