Master 2017: Disappointed Rose felt he had it in his grasp
The green jacket slipped away at Augusta but Justin Rose could not fault his performance, feeling he did everything right to win the Masters as Sergio Garcia reigned supreme.
Rose came up short against Garcia in a dramatic sudden-death play-off on Sunday, the latter finally ending his wait for a maiden major title after the pair finished level at nine under following respective 69s in the final round.
But 2013 U.S. Open champion Rose appeared to be closing in on victory, having earned a two-stroke lead after the 13th hole, until Garcia levelled things up by the 15th.
The Englishman dropped a shot at the par-four 17th as a play-off loomed, where Garcia celebrated a landmark day.
Afterwards, Rose – who also finished second in 2015 – conceded he thought he had the 81st Masters won.
“There is a consolation there. He’s felt like I’ve felt many times,” the 36-year-old and seven-time PGA Tour winner said.
“It’s hard not to feel good for him. I felt I had it wrapped up.
“When Sergio is in the trees, it looked pretty good.
“It was great fun to be a part of, I felt I did virtually everything right.
“I felt pretty calm. I was surprised how I felt out there. I really enjoyed it, in complete control, from a performance point of view, I was very happy.
“If there was half a chance, I’d have given it a go [on the play-off hole]. I knew I would have a putt for four and get out of there.”