Justin Rose’s Journey at the Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. — If there were a natural hierarchy to determine who should win the Masters this week, Justin Rose would be the frontrunner. But, of course, that’s not how it works.

Augusta National isn’t obligated to anyone.

Just ask Greg Norman, who faced heartache not once, not twice, but three times at Augusta without ever donning a green jacket.

So, is it scars or beliefs? That’s what Rose is contemplating as he steps into his 21st Masters tournament.

To be fair, Rose has done almost everything but win that elusive green jacket in his two decades here. He’s finished second three times, including last year in a playoff against Rory McIlroy. Overall, he’s landed in the top ten on seven occasions.

His Masters journey has been dotted with disappointments. In 2017, he lost to Sergio Garcia in a playoff after a solid 69 in the final round. Then he faced McIlroy last year after posting a 6-under 66 on Sunday to earn a shot in the playoff. He played remarkably well.

So, is he weighed down by those close calls, or is there a spark of confidence, a belief that perhaps this is the year he finally slips that green jacket on come Sunday night?

At 45, Rose recognizes that time isn’t on his side. He’s chosen to focus on the optimism of this moment.

“I hope this strengthens my belief that I can move on and get it done,” Rose mentioned on Monday. He feels he’s performed well enough in the past. “I’m very aware that we’ve had some tough losses here,” he added. Yet, he still enjoys Augusta. Those three second-place finishes don’t need to cloud that enjoyment.

When asked if he views his quest for the Masters as aspirational or obsessive, he struck a definitive tone: “I want to say clearly aspirational, because I know that being too fixated won’t help me.”

Keep in mind, this is a player who faced a long string of missed cuts at the start of his professional career. His mental resilience should never be questioned.

“I’ve learned that a career isn’t a smooth path; heartache comes with it,” he shared. “If you want to be the best, you have to understand that setbacks are part of the game.” He believes the key to success is being present and putting oneself in the thick of it.

“The better the competitors, the more chances they create for themselves. I don’t think the Masters owes me anything. I arrive here with a positive spirit, ready to enjoy the game,” he said. “Every time I come here, I realize I have a new challenge ahead.”

Rose practiced with local golfer Chris Gottapp on Monday, expressing that he’s always eager to learn at Augusta.

“You can know all there is to know, but execution is key. Knowing doesn’t guarantee success,” he noted. “I never think, ‘Oh, I know this course well; it’ll be easy.’ Each time I play here, it feels like a fresh task.”

After clinching victory at the Farmers Insurance Open earlier this year, Rose is considered a sentimental favorite at the Masters. His past runner-up finishes and his trademark grace only amplify that sentiment.

“I’ve already felt it this week. Lots of folks are wishing me luck and suggesting it could be my year. It’s all very emotional,” Rose said. “I’m aware I’ll need to manage that as part of my week, especially since people remember what happened last year.”

“That’s fine, but I must carve out my own narrative and not get swept up in others’ expectations.”