The ACCIONA Open de España presented by Madrid is lucky enough to welcome one of the best European golfers of the last 20 years. A classic British player, old school, and with a swing that is in keeping with his exquisite manners.
Madrid will be able to enjoy a former world number 1, with 23 international titles under his belt, 17 top-10 finishes in majors (including a victory at the 2013 US Open), six participations in the Ryder Cup, and an Olympic gold medal. He is also a past winner of the PGA Tour’s biggest prize.
In 2018 Rose won the FedEx Cup on a day that the world of golf will never forget. Tiger Woods was back in the winners’ circle after a five-year absence and droves of fans pursued him as he made his way to the 72nd green at East Lake. However, the American’s 80th victory on tour eclipsed the Englishman’s superb achievement. The award for consistency on the world’s most demanding stage perfectly defines Rose. Since turning professional in 1998, two words stand out above the rest in an effort to describe him: consistency and courage. He played his first Open Championship as an amateur and finished fourth. The next day he turned professional.
One of the moments of Justin’s career best remembered by Spanish fans is perhaps his performance at the US Masters in 2017. With a two-shot lead and five holes left to play, it looked as if the Englishman had finally got his hands on a green jacket. But Sergio Garcia had other ideas. In the iconic image of the Spaniard celebrating his only major victory to date, Rose appears in the background. In what was surely one of the toughest moments of his career, the way in which he congratulated Sergio, his body language, and the smile he wore throughout the ceremony were a sure sign that we are talking about a true gentleman of the game.
He has enjoyed a strong season with victory at Pebble Beach, sixth place at The Players and ninth at the PGA Championship. Last year, some untimely back issues prevented the Spanish fans from witnessing the class of Justin Rose. This season, might they enjoy a Rahm-Rose shootout on Sunday? Don’t write it off.
