Justin Rose, motivated by Phil Mickelson‘s example of winning into his 50s, is aiming for what he calls a “golden summer” in his golfing career following his victory at the FedEx St Jude Championship. The 45-year-old English golfer secured his place as the oldest European winner on the PGA Tour in the modern era by defeating US Open champion JJ Spaun in a playoff.
This win marks a significant milestone for Rose, who last triumphed in February 2023. He now holds the second spot among Team Europe’s automatic qualifiers ahead of the Ryder Cup in September, where he is poised to make his seventh appearance in the prestigious biennial event.
Rose Reflects on His Current Form and Career Ambitions
Highlighting the rarity of golfers maintaining competitiveness in their mid-to-late 40s, Rose cited Phil Mickelson as a prime motivator.
“There’s a pretty short list of guys that are competitive in that 45 to 50 sort of age range,”
Rose said.
Obviously Phil Mickelson bucked the trend. He won a major at 51. I feel like that’s good motivation.
He believes that the recent success signals a possible peak phase ahead, referring to close calls at both Troon and Augusta as encouragement.
This is another really, really, really important signal that I’m on the right track with my game, and actually maybe even getting a little bit better at the moment.
Achievements and Near-Misses on the Major Stage
Rose’s sole major title came in 2013 when he won the US Open, but since then, he has been a three-time runner-up at the Masters, including a dramatic playoff loss to Rory McIlroy this April. Notably, he is only the second golfer ever to lose two Masters playoffs, joining Ben Hogan, who did so in 1942 and 1954. Additionally, Rose was runner-up twice at The Open, in 2018 and again in 2024.
Looking ahead, Rose is eager to know if he might become the oldest European to capture a major after 2026. He is energized by the challenge and intrigued by how the latter half of his career will unfold.
Rose Embraces Challenges of Winning in the Later Stages of Career
While now past his peak years, Rose acknowledged the difficulty of securing wins even though he has remained competitive.
Will I ever be the best player that I was when I was maybe 2018 No 1 in the world? I don’t know, but I don’t have to be, I don’t think, as long as I can find it at the key times,
he said.
I’ve been able to do that, I’ve shown good signs, I think. But winning is winning. I think proving that to yourself, even though I’ve come close and I felt good in contention, getting over the line is still difficult, and obviously I’ve won, like, twice in six years now, but this one felt good.
He described his composure during the playoff as critical to his success.
I felt like I had to hit the shots, I had to step up again and again and again in the playoff. I felt ready for it. I felt calm. I felt collected. I think that’s when you learn most about yourself.
Expert View: David Howell Commends Rose’s Competitive Spirit
David Howell from Sky Sports Golf praised Rose’s enduring excellence and mental strength under pressure.
Howell noted that Rose has been remarkable since he debuted on the tour as a teenager, finishing fourth at The Open early in his career. Maintaining a high level of performance for nearly 30 years, Rose continues to believe deeply in his abilities when it counts the most.
While he admits Rose may not be as consistent as he was a decade ago, Howell believes the golfer’s clutch performances remain exceptional. He observed that Rose’s desire to win another major, particularly the Masters, fuels his determination. The recent victory offers fresh motivation to pursue success in his 50s, much like Mickelson.
We will see some great stuff from Justin over the next few years and he will have a great Ryder Cup next month.
—David Howell, Sky Sports Golf Analyst
Upcoming Coverage of PGA Tour Events Including the BMW Championship
Sky Sports is providing extensive coverage of the FedExCup Playoffs, including the BMW Championship this week. Early rounds begin at 2:15 pm on Sky Sports+, with full broadcasts from 5 pm Thursday and Friday, and weekend coverage at 6 pm on Sky Sports Golf.
Fans without Sky can stream the PGA Tour and related tournaments without a contract, ensuring broad access to key events as the golf season progresses toward the Ryder Cup.
Looking Forward: The Significance of Rose’s Victory and Career Trajectory
Justin Rose’s win at the FedEx St Jude Championship is a powerful indicator of his ability to challenge the best in golf well into his mid-40s and beyond. His continued success epitomizes resilience and serves as an inspiring example for players aiming to extend their competitive years.
With the Ryder Cup approaching and hopes of adding more major titles, including the elusive Masters, Rose’s determination sets the stage for a compelling chapter in his career. His pursuit of a “golden summer” of golf underscores both a celebration of past achievements and an optimistic drive for future glory.