England’s current golfing icon Justin Rose came agonizingly close to winning the 2025 Masters, falling to Rory McIlroy in a sudden-death play-off after a thrilling final round 66 with 10 birdies (one short of the single-round record). It was Rose’s second Masters playoff loss, the first against Sergio García in 2017.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and raised in Hampshire, England, Rose was a golfing prodigy who, as a 17-year-old amateur, shocked the world with a fourth-place finish at the 1998 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, leaving the fairway on the 18th. After turning pro that year, he struggled early on, missing 21 consecutive cuts, but finally made his breakthrough in 2002 by winning the Dunhill Championship held at Houghton Golf Club in the town where he was born.
His enviable golf swing has been shaped over the years by GOLF Top 100 teachers Sean Foley and Mark Blackburn, his coach since 2023 and whose adjustments powered Rose’s 2023 Pebble Beach win and 2025 Masters heroics. And despite persistent back problems, Rose’s resilience still shines. He has an Olympic gold medal (2016) and 11 Tour wins plus an impeccable Ryder Cup wins average.
Rose’s 2025 Masters charge, with birdies on five of the six holes from the 10th onwards, shows his undeniable grit. His heart and skills (see above) keep him in the hunt, a testament to his perseverance and a model for golfers chasing glory at any age.
Read on below for an overview of Rose’s swing and what you can learn from it.
1. Address
Rose’s trail arm is bent just enough to show part of his forearm, a simple move that keeps his shoulders square. Great posture with the upper back down and rounded slightly to the right.
2. Takeaway
Justin’s club head leads the parade here, seemingly pulling the rest of his body all the way to the top. It’s a great move for copying and to keep the hands from working too far in too quickly.
3. Top
However you do it, copy the way Justin places the club head between his two arms as he reaches the top. You can thank me later.
4. Decline
The fact that you can still see the zipper of Justin’s jersey at this point in the downswing is proof that this man really knows how to swing a golf club. He leads with his lower body and – as Jack Nicklaus has always recommended – “save his turn for last.” Perfect.
5.Impact
Notice how Justin keeps his trail arm under his lead arm as he hits the ball. It doesn’t get much better than this. And while this is just a photo, you can see his back hip rises slightly as he pushes off his back foot. Hall of fame stuff.
6. Let go
Justin swings to the right while “throwing” the clubhead past his hands by extending his trail arm and wrist. And look at the wrinkles in his sweater! That’s side bending, folks, and the ultimate key to power and accuracy.
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