Justin Rose, at the age of 45, is still going toe-to-toe with the game’s best on the biggest stages.
Making a playoff at last year’s Masters was the start of a rejuvenation for the Englishman, who eyes a second major championship in the twilight of his career. And this year he’s in the hunt for his first Green Jacket.
Adam Scott, who shares Rose’s age and has competed with him for decades, is, of course, familiar with his immense talent. But he said he has noticed a change in Rose over the past few years, which has brought him back to the top of his game.
Adam Scott names the change he’s seen in Justin Rose recently
Scott, after the conclusion of his 2026 Masters, was asked what it’s like to play with Rose. The Australian said, “I think that he’s quite an intense competitor, Justin. I don’t think anyone should be surprised by that given his showing again this week, his showing here last year. He’s a very focused, intense competitor.
“So, having spent my whole career kind of alongside each other, I’m saying that as a compliment. That he’s still so focused. Maybe from the outside looking in a little bit even more focused than ever, actually, at this point in his career.”
He was asked what Rose does well, and Scott answered, “Well, he’s incredibly calculated. I think he really knows his own tendencies well, and he plays around them all to his advantage.
“You know, I think he’s been very meticulous and about the way he’s built his game. I would say probably for the last 15 years, but certainly the last couple I think there has been a very narrowed focus and he’s very meticulous about things.”
Rose is famously well-prepared and puts hours into his rest and recovery, keeping his body in prime shape deep into his 40s. That’s what has kept him on top of his game.
Adam Scott gives the secret to his longevity
Scott is in his 26th year as a pro, and he gave the secrets to his longevity after his 2026 Masters.
He said, “I guess my mum taught me everything in moderation. I don’t know if that’s good for the highest level sport but it is for longevity.
“Maybe some of that philosophy has kept me going. I think I’ve been fortunate. I’ve generally had really good people around me, and that and my own intuition for things, I’ve done nothing too radical, I’ve kind of evolved.
He continued, “I think at certain times I just balanced my practice load, workload, everything well. You know, there are lots of areas where I think little things helped. The first trainer I ever had, his philosophy was just injury prevention.
“That’s probably years ago now, but that’s been a staple of my kind of training ever since, even though I don’t — haven’t worked with him for a while. It’s kept me in good stead. I’ve been injury-free so that’s nice, knock on wood.”
At this rate, expect another 20 years out of Scott!
