Justin Rose's comments speak volumes after turning down 'absurd' LIV Golf offer

Justin Rose admitted to turning down a lucrative offer from LIV Golf because of his ambition to win major titles. The 45-year-old is now the oldest European to win a PGA tournament in the modern era after his victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

For most of the event in Memphis, it seemed that Rose’s compatriot Tommy Fleetwood was closing in on his ever-elusive first PGA title. However, Fleetwood surrendered a two-shot lead in the final three holes, leaving Rose and recent US Open winner J.J. Spaun to battle it out after both finished on 16-under-par.

Rose emerged triumphant from their three-hole play-off to claim the 12th PGA title of his career and his first since 2023. It was further vindication for Rose, who previously confessed to snubbing an absurdly large offer from LIV because of his desire to add to his 2013 US Open title.

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“That was a primary factor and, hey, it’s almost paid off,” Rose told The Telegraph in May. “I’ve finished runner-up in the last two majors and would I have even been playing if I’d switched across? Who knows? I have no regrets.”

He gained plenty of plaudits at the Masters despite losing out on the green jacket to Rory McIlroy during an unforgettable play-off at Quail Hollow. Rose’s defeat at the Masters had been preceded by a T2 finish at The Open last year and he was brutally honest about his drive to win more major championships.

“I need to know I’m not deluding myself,” Rose admitted. “I need to know that I can still do it and this quest for another big one, or two, whatever, is not a forlorn task.

“That’s crucial to me. Sometimes you don’t know when you’re right in the thick of it. But I have been close – there have been five second places in the majors since Merion. And I feel like I’ve been closer than ever of late and the record shows it.”

Rose was right to highlight his near-misses: he has finished runner-up or T2 at the Masters on three occasions and twice been T2 at The Open. Despite being an Olympic gold medalist and four-time Ryder Cup winner, Rose’s career achievements are arguably under appreciated.

Following his stellar showing at the Masters, Rose’s form suffered a brief dip. However, he finished sixth at the Scottish Open last month before tying for 16th at The Open ahead of the St Jude Championship.

On Sunday, Rose held his nerve as Fleetwood faltered late on. The 45-year-old savoured his play-off win over Spaun and was delighted to see his levels of preparation earn him a £2.6million ($3.6m) payday.

“I hit a couple good putts in regulation and in the first playoff hole as well,” Rose said after winning the St Jude Championship. “Obviously J.J. dropped a bomb on me, I topped him. It was a lot of fun today.

“That's why I practice. That's why I play. I've been saying for some time now, obviously Augusta, when I bring my best, I know I'm good enough to play and to compete, and to now win against the best players in the world. Very gratifying day for me and a lot of hard work coming to fruition.”

When asked about his focus during the play-off, Rose told reporters: “Yeah, I've always known I've had that. I get nervous with the best of them. I feel nervous at times. But I know when it matters, I've still got it.

“I kind of feel better and better and better as it gets more important. That's good to know. It's hard stuff to practice, hard stuff to teach. Nice to know that hasn't left me at this ripe old age,” he joked.