Masters 2018: Justin Rose 'positive' at Augusta following 2017 play-off loss
Last updated on .From the section Golf
| 2018 Masters |
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| Venue: Augusta National Dates: 5-8 April |
| Coverage: Watch highlights of the first two days before live coverage of the weekend's action on BBC Two and up to four live streams online. Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Radio 5 live sports extra. Read live text commentary, analysis and social media on the BBC Sport website and the sport app. Full details |
Justin Rose says it took him a "month or so to find the motivation again" after losing a play-off to Sergio Garcia at last year's Masters.
But the Englishman has been walking the course at Augusta National to help put that defeat behind him.
"You're going through memories and shots you hit and shots that didn't come off so I just wanted to have that walk before the tournament," he said.
"It was important to come and walk the grounds," the 37-year-old added.
"I have positive and fond memories of last year. I hit a lot of great shots. I don't feel bad about it whatsoever but when you lose a play-off in a major you look back and think what might have been."
Rose has three top-eight finishes in his past five events but has also taken time away from golf to help him prepare for the first men's major of the year.
"I took a month off four or five weeks ago with the hopes of being fresh and ready for this, and I've played a nice run of golf since then so I feel tournament sharp," he said.
"I'm coming in high on confidence but low in expectation - there are so many variables I can't control. But I'm coming in as well as I've ever played.
"My skillset should produce a chance to win if all goes well."
However, Rose believes his experience of 12 Masters tournaments will also help him when play starts on Thursday.
"Over the years I've really dedicated myself to amassing knowledge of the golf course, keeping notes and carrying those notes forward year on year. Learning the pin placements is key around here," he said.
'Less golf' could help Watson land third Masters
American Bubba Watson hopes playing less golf will help him become a three-time winner at Augusta.
The 39-year-old, a winner in 2012 and 2014, says he is looking to save energy by playing fewer holes before Thursday's opening round.
"I've played Augusta enough times now, I can sit back and only play nine holes a day," he said.
"That's the difference in the strategy and that's what I did different from the two times that I won here."
Watson heads to Georgia in good form, having won the WGC Match Play in Texas last week - his second title of 2018.
But he has still been seeking the counsel of other experienced players in a bid for Masters title number three.
"The difference this time around is energy," Watson said on Monday. "I asked a few people, older gentlemen in our golfing lives: 'What do you need to work on and how do you recover from a stressful day?'
"Because mentally, physically you're going to be exhausted.
"So the change in preparation is less golf, not playing 18 holes. I'm looking for nine holes tomorrow and then the only golf I'll play on Wednesday will be the par-three contest."
Day counting on a friend
Jason Day, meanwhile, will have good friend Rika Batibasaga serving as his caddie at Augusta - and believes it could be the key to bringing him success.
The Australian former world number one has come close to winning the feted Green Jacket with two top-three finishes in his seven appearances.
After a winless 2017, coach Colin Swatton was relieved of caddying duties and friend Luke Reardon took over - before visa problems led to Day turning to Batibasaga.
"Col was great for the 10 years that we had and he is still my coach," said 30-year-old Day.
"When you have your coach on the bag, you kind of think: 'Well, he's going to say something about this shot after the round, so I better not play that shot.'
"Having Rika on the bag this week, I think hopefully that will make things a little bit more light out there for me and a little bit more fun.
"I think he's going to be nervous walking down the first hole, but he should be fine."
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This is an article about Justin Rose; he can only enter men's events......the BBC's gender police must be on overtime .....
I would love to see Rose or Poulter win the Masters and stick it to the Americans and their deliberate 'slow play' gamesmanship. The officials ned to take action to ensure the likes of Spieth dont take six and half hours for a round of golf!
Rose has served his time and is an absolute gentleman and a credit to the game of golf.
51 minutes ago
This isn't the first major of the year
The first major was the Womens ANA Inspirational
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Trying to get on the sexism band wagon are you, it clearly says and i quote:
" ... but has also taken time away from golf to help him prepare for the first men's major of the year."
See it says mens major. is that ok for you precious.
After what happened in Amsterdam recently your claim is a bit rich coming from an obvious kissyball fan.
Golf and its supporters can hold their collective heads high in comparison to football.
Good lad is Justin Rose.
Bring it home son.
Bring. It. Home.
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Best of luck, hope it all comes together for you Justin!
Yes you are most definitely a wally walnut
Bubba will be hit or miss...perhaps Kuchar for a place? Would love an Englishman obviously...
Omg , that would be so good.
Might get decent odds on that !!!
My money is in him or DJ to win.