Justin Rose believes that his improved performance on the PGA Tour in recent years confirms the wisdom of his decision to turn down LIV Golf in 2022. The English golfer secured his first victory of the season at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, marking his 13th PGA Tour triumph and third since passing on the Saudi-backed LIV opportunity four years ago.
Rose’s strong form has included finishing second at the 2025 Masters and playing a pivotal role in securing Europe’s first Ryder Cup win on foreign soil in over a decade—chances that might have been lost had he chosen to leave the PGA Tour alongside fellow English players Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter.
Rose Highlights Motivation and Long-Term Goals Behind His Decision
Speaking about his choice to stay with established tours, Rose emphasized the importance of competing against the best players as a core driver of his motivation.
“Yeah, it did validate the decision [to reject LIV],”
he said.
“The way things are in the world of golf right now, I feel like it’s good to see people wanting to play where it motivates them to be their best.”
He explained that his career objectives, including playing at the highest level, depended on remaining active on the European and PGA Tours.
“My career goals have always only been attainable by staying on the European Tour and the PGA Tour because access to them is not, you know, not possible the other way,”
Rose added.
He also noted that alternatives to these tours did not excite him, saying,
“It would have been easy to potentially do other things, but none of that excited me I don’t think really.”
Personal Reflections on Career and Childhood Aspirations
Rose shared a personal perspective, explaining how his younger self would have felt about abandoning his long-held dreams.
“I always felt like my childhood self wouldn’t feel very good about making that decision and giving up on those dreams,”
he said.
At world number three, Rose had not won a global tournament for three years when LIV Golf approached him, yet his focus has been steadfast on claiming a second major title.
“I’ve been close. I would say, you know, sniffing and knocking on the door of a couple majors since those decisions were made and those moments,”
he remarked.
Though he has earned significant achievements in golf, he pointed out that many came only once.
“I’ve achieved a lot in the game, but I’ve achieved a lot of it just once,”
he noted.
Near Misses Fuel Determination for Future Major Victories
Rose acknowledged coming close to winning major championships including The Open and The Masters. Since childhood, his ultimate ambition has been to win all four majors.
He reflected on recent results with cautious optimism, stating,
“It seems a long way off to think that way, but if you think about some of the results I’ve had in the last year or 18 months, I’m not that far away so may as well keep believing.”
Continued Presence on PGA and DP World Tours
Throughout the season, Justin Rose competes on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, with his performances regularly broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf. Golf fans can follow his journey via Sky Sports or stream without contract on NOW.
