Justin Rose has ignited speculation just days before the Ryder Cup in New York, as he appears to be testing a new Scotty Cameron prototype putter. This unexpected development was brought to light when Rose’s caddie, Mark Foocher, shared a video on Instagram showing the golfer honing his skills on the practice green. Observant fans noted that Rose was using a Scotty Cameron T-11.5 prototype, as opposed to his usual T-5 model—a significant, albeit not massive, change that still raises eyebrows given the high-pressure context.
The Ryder Cup is a high-stakes event where even short putts can determine match outcomes. With Europe seeking to secure their first win on American soil in over a decade, Rose’s performance on the greens could play a pivotal role for Luke Donald’s team. The new putter, featuring a larger head profile, offers enhanced stability and alignment, potentially providing Rose with greater forgiveness on crucial putts ranging from six to ten feet—distances that can often sway the results of Ryder Cup matches.
Interestingly, this potential change comes despite Rose’s strong putting performance this season. He ranks 10th in putting average on the PGA Tour and is 25th in putts per round. His strokes gained on putting have also been improving, currently placing him 55th. These statistics suggest that Rose is performing well, which adds another layer of intrigue to the equipment switch.
Whether Rose will stick with the Scotty Cameron T-11.5 prototype during the Ryder Cup at Bethpage remains to be seen. It could merely be an experimental phase, or it might indicate a permanent shift. The sight of him using a new putter has certainly generated chatter among golf enthusiasts and equipment analysts, all eager to see how Rose will perform during the tournament’s opening rounds.