Justin Rose arrives at Augusta National for his 21st Masters appearance, drawing on a philosophical mindset despite three runner-up finishes. The 45-year-old lost to Rory McIlroy in a playoff last year after a final-round 66 that included a dramatic 20-foot birdie on the 18th. Rose maintains that these close calls fuel his desire rather than obsession.
Rose reflected on Monday about his history at the Masters, where he has led or co-led after nine rounds across his career, ranking third all-time behind Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. He shares the unwanted distinction with Ben Hogan as the only players to lose multiple Masters playoffs. Over the last 10 tournaments, Rose's 18-under-par total ranks seventh, with only Xander Schauffele among the top performers yet to claim the green jacket among leaders like Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm. Currently ranked seventh in the world, Rose, now 45, spoke of not dwelling on 'why me?': “I won’t ever think why me? … When you realize you’re that close, you can taste the victory. You know what it would feel like. I could see what it felt like. I can see the celebrations. It all played out right in front of me. So I kind of lived it as if I’d have won it. … It is the way it is. Kind of walked away on Sunday feeling like I gave it everything.” Rose emphasized enjoying Augusta National despite the torment it holds for others. “I’m very aware that I’ve been close here. I’m very aware that I’ve had tough, tough losses here. I also am aware that I enjoy this place. So I don’t want to feel that those three second-place finishes need to create a different sort of feeling for me. I can’t control the outcome.” He distinguishes desire from obsession, noting eight prior runners-up have won the next year. Early in his career, Rose missed 21 straight cuts but learned to embrace adversity. “The key is showing up. The key is to try to be as free as you can in those moments. Yeah, you kind of have to hope a little bit along the way that it’s your day,” Rose said as the 90th Masters nears Thursday.
