Professional golfer Justin Rose has pulled out of this week’s RBC Heritage tournament following his disappointing finish at the Masters, where he let a final-round lead slip away on Sunday.
The golfer was replaced by Michael Thorbjornsen for the signature event after withdrawing on Monday, just one day after his third-place showing at Augusta National.
Rose had positioned himself perfectly during Sunday’s final round, taking the lead after sinking three straight birdies on the front nine. But his chances crumbled when he recorded back-to-back bogeys on holes 11 and 12 at the notorious “Amen Corner” section of the course. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy seized control and never looked back.
The final scoreboard showed Rose finishing two strokes behind McIlroy in a four-way tie for third place, with Scottie Scheffler claiming second.
Following his round on Sunday, Rose reflected on the fan support he received throughout the week. “Felt like the crowd was amazing to me all week long. They pulled for me all week long,” Rose commented. “I felt their encouragement and support. At the end, it kind of goes a little flat. It’s more of a sympathy than anything.”
“But it was still, nonetheless, very beautiful. But, yeah, another little stinger,” he added.
The Heritage tournament at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina, has not been a strong venue for Rose historically. He placed 42nd there last season in his eighth attempt at the event. His last top-10 performance at the South Carolina course dates back to 2004.
Rose’s Masters performance showed consistency through most of the tournament, with rounds of 70-69-69-70. However, his 2-over 38 on the final nine holes on Sunday cost him a chance at his first green jacket.
Reflecting on his walk up the 18th fairway, Rose acknowledged the missed opportunity. “I think just chance that got away obviously,” Rose explained. “I was by no means kind of free and clear and was nowhere kind of close to having the job done, but I was right in position.”
