A lot can change in a year—just ask Justin Rose.
Sitting in the Royal Box at Wimbledon recently, he couldn’t help but glance back to where he had been exactly 12 months earlier.
And no, it wasn’t another VIP event or golfing gala.
He was out in Somerset, grinding through qualifiers at Burnham & Berrow Golf Club, a place more associated with amateur hopefuls than a former world No.1.
A Dose of Humility on the Links
“That date stuck in my head,” Rose admitted, recalling July 1, 2024, a day that had served as a personal reality check.
At 43, he found himself ranked 67th in the world and, for the first time in over 20 years, needing to qualify for The Open.
It was a stark contrast to the glory days, and he knew it.
“That was humbling, if I’m being honest,” he says now. “You’ve got to check your ego at the door.
Golf will absolutely do that to you.” There are no easy paydays in golf, no cushy contracts to sit on. You earn your way—every week, every round.
From Qualifying to Contending at the Majors
But the story didn’t end at Burnham & Berrow. In fact, that was just the start of a remarkable resurgence.
Rose powered through 36 holes of qualifying, made it to The Open at Troon, and then finished second.
A few months later, he matched that with another runner-up finish—this time at The Masters.
In just one year, he’d gone from borderline afterthought to nearly winning two majors.
And now, as he prepares for The Open at Royal Portrush, he doesn’t have to worry about qualifying. He’s back in the thick of it.
Inspired by Djokovic and Driven by Belief
As he watched Novak Djokovic, 38, battling it out on Centre Court, Rose couldn’t help but feel a connection.
“There’s something about proving you’ve still got it,” he said. “It’s the belief that you can still compete, still win.”
Turning 45 later this month, Rose is chasing more than just participation—he’s still chasing greatness.
It’s been 12 years since his 2013 U.S. Open win, and he’s itching to add another major to his resume.
A Career Worthy of More Recognition
Look at the numbers: world No.1, Olympic gold medalist, 25 titles worldwide.
And yet, there’s always been a sense that Rose flies a bit under the radar in British sport.
For all he’s achieved, he still feels something’s missing.
The recent close calls—just shy of Xander Schauffele at Troon and narrowly behind Rory McIlroy at Augusta—have only sharpened that hunger. “They hurt,” Rose admits.
“You start thinking, ‘Damn, I’ve been so close to exactly what I’m trying to achieve.’”
That Elusive Full Circle Moment
For Rose, the sting of narrowly missing out at The Open hits even harder because of his history with the tournament.
Back in 1998, he stunned the world as a 17-year-old amateur by finishing fourth. Winning it now would feel like destiny fulfilled.
“There have been tough times,” he says. “A few years ago, I felt completely lost with my game.
But I found my way back. Still, when you’re that close in a major, you dream of a different ending.”
But Rose is proud. “I brought my best on both Sundays. I left it all out there,” he says.
“And I think, even at my age, I can still find that one per cent that makes the difference.”
Ageing Gracefully with a Bit of Help
Of course, age brings its own challenges. Rose chuckles about the groans he makes after each round now.
He’s embraced recovery like never before—his £200,000 motorhome, complete with ice baths and physical therapy equipment, is a rolling sanctuary for his body.
But the focus has shifted. “I’m not interested in playing well 30 weeks a year,” he says. “I’m focused on the moments that count—the majors.
That’s where I want to peak.”
Preparing for Portrush and What Comes After
The next big goal? Performing well at The Open in Portrush, especially after missed cuts at the PGA Championship and U.S. Open this season.
The course plays into his experience—nuance and know-how can often outweigh power there.
But beyond Portrush, there’s the looming question of the Ryder Cup.
At No. 23 in the world, Rose is in strong contention for a spot on the European team under captain Luke Donald.
And while many assumed he’d be wearing the captain’s hat by 2027 at Adare Manor, he might still be teeing it up.
Still in the Mix, Still a Threat
“It’s a good problem to have,” Rose says of balancing playing aspirations and leadership potential.
“It’d be an honour to be asked to captain, but who knows where I’ll be with my game by then.”
One thing’s clear—Justin Rose is far from finished.
And based on everything we’ve seen over the past year, counting him out would be a serious mistake.
