Rose Reflects on Missed Opportunity as Scheffler and Hatton Make Strong Finishes

Justin Rose expressed disappointment at letting a chance slip away, as he once again fell short of Masters victory at Augusta National. The three-time runner-up had led by two shots during the final round after scoring his fourth birdie in five holes at the ninth. However, the 45-year-old Englishman encountered difficulties around Amen Corner, with consecutive bogeys at the 11th and 12th holes, followed by a missed opportunity for a birdie at the 13th, where he three-putted for par. This allowed Rory McIlroy to overtake Rose, who ultimately finished in a four-way tie for third place with a 10-under score, two strokes behind McIlroy. Rose acknowledged being in control initially but saw the momentum shift against him around Amen Corner. Despite the setbacks, Rose felt that his par at the 13th was the decisive factor that prevented him from achieving his first Masters win. "It was just a chance that got away, obviously," Rose said. "I was by no means free and clear, and was nowhere close to having the job done, but I was right in position." Rose praised the crowd at Augusta National, saying, "The crowd was amazing to me all week long. They pulled for me all week long. I felt their encouragement and support." Scottie Scheffler, the 2022 and 2024 winner, secured second place behind McIlroy with an 11-under score. Scheffler achieved the remarkable feat of not dropping a shot all weekend at Augusta National, following up Saturday's flawless 65 with a bogey-free 68. Tyrrell Hatton, meanwhile, made a strong push with a tremendous run on the back nine, emerging from the pack with an eagle two at the par-four seventh and four successive birdies from the 13th. Hatton ultimately finished with a six-under 66 for a 10-under-par total of 278, earning a share of third place. "I'm really happy with the round that I put together in the end," Hatton said. "Obviously, I had a nice run on the back nine. Happy that I've kind of guaranteed a spot here for next year."