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Rose targets Green Jacket after three runner-up finishes
Justin Rose arrives at the 90th Masters as one of the most decorated players yet to win at Augusta National, with three second-place finishes and a record nine rounds leading or co-leading the tournament.
Playoff heartbreak and resilience
The 45-year-old Englishman has endured two playoff losses at Augusta, first to Sergio Garcia in 2017 and then to Rory McIlroy in 2025. Last year, Rose carded a final-round 66-including 10 birdies, six on the back nine-to force a playoff, only to fall short by inches.
"Augusta was painful, but at the same time I was proud at how I played. I learned a lot from the Sergio playoff and put it into practice, but it wasn't to be."
Justin Rose
Form and pedigree
Rose enters this year's Masters as a top-10 player, fresh off a dominant seven-shot victory at Torrey Pines in February and a playoff win over U.S. Open champion JJ Spaun last August. His Ryder Cup performance last year helped Europe secure its first away victory since 2012.
Despite two missed cuts earlier this season, Rose rebounded with a tied-13th finish at the Players Championship, demonstrating his ability to grind through demanding conditions.
"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."
Justin Rose
Strategic preparation
Rose adjusted his schedule ahead of Augusta, skipping last week's Texas Open to focus on sharpening his game for the tournament's unique challenges. He emphasized the importance of targeting key weeks rather than spreading himself thin.
"I'd love to find a way to play well every single week, but if I can hone in on the weeks that I really want to play well, that would be enough for me to chase down some of the goals I have left in my career."
Justin Rose
Augusta's toll and redemption
Last year's third-round 75 derailed Rose's bid for the Green Jacket. Paired with Bryson DeChambeau, he struggled with his short game while DeChambeau surged into contention. Rose later reflected on the round as a lesson in minimizing errors.
His final-round resurgence-10 birdies, including a closing birdie on 18-showcased his ability to rebound. Though he fell short in the playoff, Rose's sportsmanship in congratulating McIlroy earned widespread praise.
"I was able to be happy for Rory in the moment. And obviously to witness history, separate yourself from your emotions for a moment, it was a cool arena to be in."
Justin Rose
Legacy and motivation
With 20 prior appearances at Augusta, Rose is chasing a first major since his 2013 U.S. Open victory. A win this Sunday would make him the second-oldest Masters champion, behind only Jack Nicklaus, who claimed his sixth Green Jacket at age 46 in 1986.
Rose's connection to Augusta runs deep-he has led or co-led the tournament nine times, including holding the first-round lead in five editions. His runner-up finishes in 2015, 2024, and 2025 underscore his consistency at golf's most prestigious event.
As he prepares for his 21st Masters, Rose remains driven by the belief that his best golf can still conquer the game's toughest tests.
