At the age of 45, Justin Rose has not only etched his name in the annals of golf history by becoming the oldest European winner in modern PGA Tour history, but he has also ascended to a world ranking that he hasn’t seen in over five years. As the anticipation builds for the Ryder Cup, it’s his candid perspectives on the dynamics of golf that are generating significant buzz.
Fresh off his remarkable victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in August, Rose didn’t shy away from discussing the complexities of European players’ popularity with American fans. Speaking at his 20th BMW PGA Championship press conference, he provided a rare glimpse into what makes certain players resonate with audiences across the Atlantic.
Rose tackled the daunting psychological landscape of the Ryder Cup head-on. When confronted with the challenge of dealing with potentially hostile crowds, he delivered a powerful insight: “I think we don’t do it enough to really know how to do it. You just have to do it.” He stressed the importance of mental resilience, stating, “I think that’s where we’re going to be at mentally to make bit of a commitment for being able to bounce back, so to speak and to realize it’s not personal.” Known for its notoriously fierce atmosphere, Bethpage Black has a reputation for creating some of the most intense environments in golf, famously earning the title “the people’s Open” during the 2002 U.S. Open for its rowdy, beer-fueled galleries that relentlessly heckled players.
Rose’s insights delve deeper than mere acceptance of the crowd’s behavior; he articulated the stark contrast between regular tournaments and the Ryder Cup’s unique environment. “Most golf fans come to golf to, one, have a few drinks, it seems, these days. But they come to watch and watch their favorite players, and they observe everybody else, as well. So they are sort of not necessarily there — they can’t really influence the outcome, per se. Whereas, collectively, they feel like, we can influence the outcome of this event and that’s our job, and fair play. That’s what it’s all about them.” This understanding is rooted in Rose’s extensive Ryder Cup experience, which includes 14 wins, 9 losses, and 3 ties over six appearances.
Despite the looming challenges of American crowds, Rose pointed out why certain European players have successfully won over American fans. “I don’t know exactly. I feel like me and Tommy and Rory are all quite different in terms of our approaches,” he noted, shedding light on the diverse strategies that resonate with audiences. He offered a particularly striking observation about Rory McIlroy, describing him as “exciting to watch and plays with a breath of fresh air, the way he hits the ball, the way he gets on with it and how he competes, challenging, being a Grand Slam winner. He’s kind of like a superstar status.” This perspective holds significant weight, especially considering McIlroy’s phenomenal 2025 season, which included clinching a Masters victory and breaking the $100 million mark in PGA Tour earnings.
Rose didn’t stop there; he also highlighted the magnetic appeal of Tommy Fleetwood, who has captivated American crowds with his charismatic presence. “Tommy has that special, likable nature to him and engages with the crowd. He’s got that really — a bit cheeky, at times. He’s just who he is. He’s so authentic, I guess,” Rose said, underscoring Fleetwood’s authenticity, which endeared him to fans, especially after winning his first PGA Tour title at the 2025 Tour Championship.
As the European team gears up for the BMW PGA Championship, their evident camaraderie is crucial for facing the daunting crowds at Bethpage Black. Rose’s self-reflection revealed a man acutely aware of his own journey. He candidly admitted, “I think people admire the fact I try to do the right things. I work hard. Listen, I’m not perfect, there’s no doubt. I come across as even good-tempered out there for the most part, but it’s always bubbling away underneath.” This relentless work ethic has been a cornerstone of Rose’s career, allowing him to secure 12 PGA Tour victories and achieve the world number one ranking in 2018, all while maintaining a reputation for exemplary sportsmanship.
Rose’s experience at Wentworth serves as a testament to his enduring passion for the sport. Competing in his 20th BMW PGA Championship is no small feat and reflects a remarkable longevity in an unforgiving arena. He has referred to this tournament as a “bucket list” event he “dearly loves to win,” making his current form all the more significant.
In a stunning career renaissance, Justin Rose has proven that age is merely a number. His recent triumph marked him as the oldest European to seize a PGA Tour title in the modern era, catapulting him to a world ranking of 12th—the highest he’s been since his reign as world number one.
Rose attributes his success to newfound discipline rather than diminished ambition. “I feel like I’m even more disciplined now, fortunately, than I was when I was younger. I’d love to be indulging in a few more fun activities at this point in my life but I feel like I’m having to be even more focused,” he confided. Yet beneath this discipline lies a profound emotional connection to the game itself. “That needs to be underpinned by love for the game. If you don’t love the game, it becomes work and it still doesn’t feel like work,” he elaborated, revealing the driving force behind his relentless pursuit of excellence.
As Europe prepares for the impending showdown in Bethpage, Rose’s insightful commentary on crowd dynamics and his candid approach to competition place him in a pivotal role as the European team seeks its first away Ryder Cup victory in over two decades. His experience and wisdom are not just valuable assets; they could very well be the key to unlocking success on one of golf’s most challenging stages.
