PEBBLE BAY, Calif. Justin RoseA different set of goals was set at the beginning of the new year.
His back was beginning to become painful. His world ranking dropped to its lowest level in 13 years. He wondered if he would choose to spend the first week of April somewhere other than Augusta National.
All that changed Monday morning when Rose capped a long week at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with three quick birdies and four steady pars that gave him a 3-shot victory, his first in four years.
Along with the crystal trophy (his 11th on PGA Tour, 23rd globally), and the $1.62million prize, Rose also receives an invitation to the Masters. Rose has been eligible for all major dating to St. Andrews, a streak he did NOT want to end.
Rose stated that Augusta was a major part of her mind after finishing with a 6-under-66 in beautiful conditions at Pebble Beach. I thought it was simple to play my way into top 50 in the world… claw my way up to the top of the world rankings, and make it that.
He said, tapping the crystal on the table next to him, that this was a better method to win a tournament. This is a big relief.
Rose held a 2-shot lead in the wind-delayed tournament, with an eagle birdie-par stretch along Pacific Ocean.
He delivered a knockout punch in the early hours to as many players as possible who were within three shots of the lead at different points along the course.
Rose made a solid two-putt putt on his 10th hole to restart his round. Rose also made a 25-foot birdie, a 20 foot birdie, and then hit a wedge on the par-5 14th to bring the distance to 8 feet.
From that point on, it was about enjoying the view and taking it easy.
Despite all the weather this week — which was everything — the final three hours featured stunning blue sky with big surf, with waves breaking into the rocks, adding to a scene that is already among the best in golf.
Rose finished 3 shots ahead Brendon Todd(65) Brandon Wu (66).
Rose stated, An amazing week from start to end with so many happening in my favor.
The 42-year-old Englishman had not won since Torrey Pins in 2019, when Torrey Pines was his No. The worlds No. 1. He was No. He finished last year at No.
Rose said that Roses victory made him No. 35.
Mondays back nine was not as difficult as it was Sunday night. The wind was light, coming from the opposite direction and blowing at the players backs rather than into them.
Rose was the most fortunate person to have benefited from the weather this week.
He was six shots behind the lead, and going nowhere. The strongest wind of the week was on the Shore course at Monterey Peninsula. He hit 5-wood into the par-3 9th to 3 feet. He couldnt mark his ball because the wind was blowing it 4 feet further away.
Officials were able to stop play on all three courses of the rotation after that. Rose returned Sunday morning with a 7-foot birdie.
What would the odds of him winning had golf balls, his and others, not been blowing around at that moment?
It hurts them greatly. Rose stated that it was a break. I suppose if youre out here on tour for a long time, you might catch a break every now and again. That was a great one.
He played the last 10 holes in 6 under for a 65 and then a pivotal stretch Sunday night gave him a cushion. Rose made it a masterclass weekend of iron play, great putting, and he won.
Denny McCarthyHe was 2 shots behind when play resumed. He had birdie opportunities on the 16th, 17th, and 17th but couldnt convert. He ended up with a 64 and was 4 shots behind. Keith Mitchell(68) Peter Malnati (69).
This weeks weather was more about wind and rain than it was about rain, but Pebble offered some of both. On Sunday, rain, wind and hail were all present in a short time span.
Rose finished her speech with a smile that was as bright and radiant as the sun.
He said, Just that walk up 18, being able to build some lead, to kinda enjoy it was a very special moment. Think about it, if youre not hungry for a win, the fact that it came today at a venue like we had today and on a day like today is just worth the wait.