“I'm choking back tears”: Justin Rose gets honest about final putt after losing to Xander Schauffele at the 2024 Open
Justin Rose finished second at the 2024 Open Championship with a score of -7. Rose was in contention throughout the event, but fell two shots short of winning the Claret Jug for the first time.
Rose admitted that it was an emotional moment for him. At the end of his round, the Englishman held a press conference where a reporter asked him how he felt about finishing on the 18th hole.
Here's what Justin Rose had to say (via ASAP Sports):
"Well, I won second place, I won points, I won prizes, FedExCup points, all that stuff too. At that point, you're being a professional."
"Then I walk ten steps later, and I'm choking back tears. So that's the shift. Yeah, just personal, and enjoying 18 with the fans too. I just think it's such an amazing stage. For me, like that's the best look in golf, those two long grandstands that you walk down and the big yellow leaderboard. That's what I associate as a magic moment," he added.
"Obviously making a putt any time, if you're 30th, 20th, 10th, always a fun moment in a tournament. Professionally, that was an important putt as well," he concluded.
Rose played his final round with eventual champion Xander Schauffele, giving him a front-row seat to the 6-under 65 that helped the American win the Open Championship.
With his performance at Royal Troon Golf Club, Justin Rose repeated his career-best finish at The Open. Two shots behind Francesco Molinari, he came in second in 2018 as well.
What else did Justin Rose talk about at his post round press conference?
During his post-round four press conference at The Open Championship, Justin Rose praised Xander Schauffele's performance. Rose said he was particularly impressed with Schauffele's mental preparation for the tournament.
Rose also addressed the recent dominance of American players in the 2024 majors, stating he wasn't surprised as Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Schauffele are three of the best players in the world.
In addition, the Englishman expressed his satisfaction with his performance at The Open Championship, saying that he tried his best to win the tournament.
"I left it all out there. I'm super proud of how I competed," he said.
Despite approaching his 44th birthday on July 30th, Justin Rose remains confident in his ability to contend for major championships. He already boasts a major title to his name, having won the 2013 US Open.
However, his runner-up finish at the Open Championship is just his second top-10 showing on the PGA Tour this season. Rose has participated in 17 events on the American tour, making the cut in 10 of them.