Justin Rose is kicking off the 2026 golf season on a high note, showcasing his potential for another Major win. At the age of 45, Rose demonstrated that he remains a formidable competitor in the sport, recently finishing strong by taking the first-round lead at the Farmers Insurance Open with an impressive 10-under par 62 at Torrey Pines.
Starting the year with such excellence bodes well for Rose as he looks towards The Masters, particularly considering his history of performing well at the prestigious tournament. The data suggests that players who begin the season with solid finishes often carry that momentum into the first Major, something that certainly applies to Rose, who has secured seven top-ten finishes at Augusta National in the past.
Throughout his career, Rose has established a pattern of strong early performances leading to success at The Masters. Notable top finishes—including second place and two ties for fourth—were preceded by noteworthy results in the events leading up to Augusta. For instance, both times he reached the playoffs in 2017 and 2025, he had already solidified his position with a top-three finish prior to the Major.
While some starts may have resulted in missed cuts, Rose’s tendency to perform well after a strong beginning indicates his capability of contention throughout the season, especially leading up to Augusta. The player has made a habit of gathering momentum: after significant finishes like a T3 or T8, he demonstrated this clearly in the 2025 season, where he entered The Masters as a strong contender.
The statistics further reveal that when Rose finds form early, he often arrives at Augusta brimming with confidence. Notably, he claimed victory at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in 2012 and held a T5 at The Honda Classic before concluding with a T8 at The Masters that same year. This pattern highlights Rose’s ability to capitalize on early success, making him a golfer to watch as the season unfolds.
With his current strong start, there is a palpable sense of optimism around Rose’s chances of making a deep run at The Masters. If he can maintain this level of play in the first quarter of the year, golf fans might be treated to another thrilling chapter of his pursuit for a second Major title.