It’s been nearly three decades since a 17-year-old Justin Rose holed out from the rough at Royal Birkdale to finish tied for fourth at The Open Championship. That shot became an instant highlight — the kind that replays forever in broadcast montages and British golf lore.
Now, at nearly 45, Rose is still chasing the dream that started that week: lifting the claret jug.
The Clock Is Ticking — and Rose Knows It
With his 22nd Open Championship appearance set to begin at Royal Portrush, Rose isn’t pretending time is on his side. “Obviously, later in your career, you’re never quite sure how many chances are going to be left,” he admitted Wednesday. “And when you do come close, clearly it’s like, ahh.”
He’s felt that “ahh” a lot lately. Last summer at Royal Troon, he finished runner-up to Xander Schauffele. Then came the Masters in April, where he missed a major win by one putt, falling to Rory McIlroy in a dramatic playoff that lit up Augusta. That was his best chance at a green jacket — and it slipped away in agonizing fashion.
Chasing the Moments That Still Matter
Justin Rose already has a résumé most pros would trade for in a heartbeat: a 2013 U.S. Open win, an Olympic gold medal, world No. 1 status, and four Ryder Cup victories. But for Rose, it’s not about the hardware — it’s about the moments.
“What I’m chasing at this point in my career are the big moments in the sport,” he said. “Those are the memories I’m trying to make.”
And The Open? That’s the moment. The one he’s visualized a thousand times. “As a British player, it’s been the one that I’ve dreamed about winning and holed the putt many times in my mind.”
Still Grinding, Still Believing
He’s not just dreaming it — he’s grinding for it. Rose is still one of the fittest players on the PGA Tour, traveling with a souped-up RV complete with a cold plunge, sauna, and workout space, which he calls his “recovery room.” At a time when most players his age are dialing it down, Rose is cranking it up.
He’s currently ranked No. 21 in the world and has shown — especially at Augusta — that he still has the tools to go toe-to-toe with the game’s elite. He’s not trying to out-bomb the 23-year-olds. He’s trying to outthink, out-focus, and outlast them when the pressure peaks.
“I would say overall week in and week out, it’s going to be hard to get a ton better,” he admitted. “But I think in certain situations and in certain environments, I can still kind of bring my best.”
This week at Royal Portrush may not be his last dance, but it’s getting close. If he pulls it off, he’ll become the second-oldest winner in Open history, just behind Old Tom Morris (who won in 1867 at age 46 — seriously).
He says he’s over the sting of Augusta. “I think I’m over it… I don’t know. Who knows?” That line says it all.
