Justin Rose is aiming to finally secure a Green Jacket at the Masters. He has finished as runner-up three times. Only Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan and Tom Weiskopf have come second at the Masters more than Rose.
Rose’s Augusta Near Miss
Rose reflected on the previous Masters, stating, “Augusta was painful, but at the same time I was proud at how I played,” according to BBC Sport.
Rose had a strong final day at Augusta National. He carded 10 birdies, including six on the back nine. He finished with a 66 to tie the low total of the week at 11 under par.
It marked the second time he had suffered play-off heartbreak at the hands of a European Ryder Cup team-mate, having lost to Sergio Garcia in 2017. “I learned a lot from the Sergio play-off and put it into practice, but it wasn’t to be,” said Rose.
Chasing a First Augusta Crown
Rose would be the second oldest winner after Jack Nicklaus if he wins this Sunday. Nicklaus extended his own records with a sixth win and 18th major 40 years ago.
Despite his age, Rose remains a top-10 player. He statistically played the best golf of anyone in helping Europe to a first away win since 2012 in last year’s Ryder Cup.
Rose beat a top class field and defeated US Open champion JJ Spaun in a play-off in the first of the PGA Tour’s end-of-season play-off events in Memphis last August. Then, in February, romped to victory by seven shots at Torrey Pines.
“Getting back in the winners circle in big events on the PGA Tour is testament that my game is still good enough to compete with the best players,” Rose said.
“And just knowing that gives me the motivation to continue to work hard and to keep believing in myself.”
Rose’s Preparation for Augusta
Rose suffered two missed cuts after his San Diego victory in February. He then finished in a share of 13th at last month’s prestigious Players Championship.
The 2013 US Open champion still relishes the fight for the biggest titles. Rose said, “I’m pretty good at gearing up for the weeks I want to play well and I think having that sort of experience to do that.”
Leading into the Masters, Rose dropped his original plan to play last week’s Texas Open. This was to concentrate on readying himself for the demands of Augusta.
“I’d love to find a way to play well every single week,” he said. “But if I can find a way to hone in on the weeks that I really want to play well, that would be enough