Veteran English golfer Justin Rose has admitted that his heartbreaking playoff loss to Rory McIlroy at the 2025 Masters Tournament continues to weigh heavily on him, describing the experience as “tormenting.”
Rose, now 44, showcased a valiant effort during the final round at Augusta National, posting an impressive 66 that featured 10 birdies. His performance temporarily secured him the clubhouse lead, sparking hopes of finally donning the coveted Green Jacket.
However, Rory McIlroy had other plans. Despite missing a five-foot putt on the 18th hole, McIlroy tied Rose’s score, sending the tournament into a sudden-death playoff. The playoff ended swiftly when McIlroy birdied the first extra hole, while Rose’s putt narrowly missed.
This marked Rose’s third runner-up finish at the Masters, following similar heartbreaks in 2015 and 2017. Speaking ahead of the RBC Heritage tournament, Rose reflected:
“I was right there on the edge of winning… I certainly don’t feel down because of my performance… but tormented is probably the right word.”
The loss carries additional weight due to its context. Had he claimed victory at Augusta, paired with his second-place finish at The Open the previous year, Rose would have entered the PGA Championship in May with a rare opportunity to complete the career Grand Slam.
“I was a stone’s throw away from winning The Open and winning The Masters,” said Rose. “I would’ve been going for a Grand Slam. It’s that close.”
Rather than allow disappointment to consume him, Rose is using the defeat as motivation. Despite stiff competition, he remains confident in his abilities and is optimistic about future majors.
“I’ve been beaten by the top players in the world at the peak of their game… But I’ve matched up with them, and I’ve played well. That’s the key, creating more chances.”
Fans will long remember Rose’s final-round surge, including clutch birdies at holes 15, 16, and 18 — a performance that confirmed his game is still major-ready.
While McIlroy finally completed his career Grand Slam and joined an elite club of golfing legends, Rose must once again navigate the aftermath of a near-miss. Yet he remains undeterred. As the PGA Championship approaches, he looks ahead with resolve and determination.
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