Justin Rose misses another chance at the Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Another Masters tournament has ended in disappointment for Justin Rose.
After finishing as a runner-up to Rory McIlroy in a playoff last year, Rose concluded this year’s event two strokes behind McIlroy once more, ending at 10-under after a final round of 70, which included three bogeys on the back nine.
At the age of 45, Rose became the oldest participant in Masters history to achieve consecutive top-five finishes, although this does little to ease the sting of last year’s near victory.
Rose started strong, going 4-under on the front nine and holding a two-shot advantage at the turn. However, he relinquished the lead with bogeys on holes 11 and 12. On the 13th hole, he struck an iron onto the green, landing 30 feet from the pin with an opportunity for eagle, but he three-putted for par. He made a birdie on 15 but bogeyed 17, failing to catch up to McIlroy.
“[It was a] chance that got away, obviously. I was by no means kind of free and clear and was nowhere kind of close to having the job done, but I was right in position,” Rose remarked. “The mentality was to run through the finish line — not just try and get it done. I was playing great, but just momentum shifted for me around the Amen Corner.”
Rose has consistently performed well at the Masters. His three previous second-place finishes are tied for the second-most by any player without a green jacket, behind Tom Weiskopf’s four. Additionally, his nine rounds where he led or co-led in the first three rounds rank third overall, trailing only Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, who have a combined total of 10.
He expressed that he felt the support of the Augusta patrons throughout the week, including a loud cheer as he approached the 18th fairway.
“They pulled for me all week long. I felt their encouragement and support,” Rose stated. “At the end it kind of goes a little flat. It’s more of a sympathy than anything.”
This marked Rose’s 16th top-25 finish in 21 appearances at the Masters. Last year, he recorded 10 birdies in his final-round 66 before the playoff loss to McIlroy. Rose indicated that this year’s experience was more frustrating.
“With a sudden-death loss you kind of know you got to the house,” Rose explained. “You’ve done everything it took to win. Then it comes down to flick of a coin at times. Whereas today I felt like, yeah, there was an opportunity to do better, so obviously that is frustrating for sure.”
Rose will be 46 when he returns next year for another opportunity to secure a victory, the same age Jack Nicklaus was when he became the oldest champion in Masters history in 1986. He expressed confidence in his ability to compete, referencing the longevity of players like Bernard Langer and Fred Couples, who have remained competitive well into their careers at Augusta National.
His fellow competitors share this belief.
“I feel like if there was anyone that is deserving of a green jacket … it probably would be Rosey,” Tyrrell Hatton remarked on Sunday. “Incredible player and I imagine one day he’ll slip on a green jacket.”
