Justin Rose said he felt a real opportunity slipped away after another strong showing at Augusta National ended short of the green jacket. The 45-year-old Englishman carried a two-shot lead into the final round and surged early, birdying four of five holes to reach the turn in excellent shape.
But Rose’s momentum faltered around Amen Corner. He dropped back-to-back bogeys at 11 and 12, then followed a superb second shot into the 13th with an untimely three-putt that turned a potential birdie into a par. He signed for a two-under 70 and finished in a four-way tie for third on 10 under, two strokes behind champion Rory McIlroy.
Rose described the three-putt at 13 as the pivotal moment, saying it arrested the momentum he had built and made it much harder to recover. He maintained he had been in control earlier in the day and had intended to press home his advantage, but acknowledged the swing in fortunes through Amen Corner cost him a real chance.
He also thanked the patrons for their support throughout the week, noting their encouragement had meant a lot even if the final applause felt more sympathetic than celebratory.
Scottie Scheffler finished alone in second on 11 under after following a flawless Saturday 65 with a bogey-free 68 on Sunday. The world number one completed the rare feat of not dropping a shot over the weekend at Augusta, saying he was proud of the way he battled through both rounds.
Tyrrell Hatton produced one of the most eye-catching late runs, starting seven shots back before holing out for an eagle at the par-four seventh and then rolling off four consecutive birdies from the 13th. He parred the final two holes and closed with a six-under 66 to join Rose and two others on 10 under in a share of third. Hatton said he was pleased with his closing stretch and joked that part of his motivation was personal — his wife is due in six weeks and he was thinking about returning next year with their daughter in tow.
Next on the schedule for the PGA Tour is the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head Island, and the season’s next major is the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club from May 14-17.