Justin Rose reflects on LIV Golf snub ahead of PGA Championship

Justin Rose says his decision to reject LIV Golf's lucrative offer 'almost paid off' at the 2025 Masters. 

A number of ageing European stars jumped at the opportunity to join the PIF-backed breakaway when it officially launched in June 2022. 

Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey and Henrik Stenson decided to make the switch. 

Rose could've very easily joined his former Ryder Cup teammates but decided that he wasn't ready to cash in and possibly give up future starts in major championships or appearances in the biennial dust-up. 

The Englishman, 44, has missed several cuts in the majors since he rejected LIV's offer. 

But he proved his class in 2024 by finishing runner-up at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon and Rory McIlroy needed an extra hole to see off Rose at last month's Masters. 

He was also a thorn in the United States Ryder Cup side at Marco Simone in 2023 and is looking to make his seventh appearance in the contest this September. 

Rose is currently sixth in the European Ryder Cup standings. 

He told Telegraph Sport: "That was a primary factor [competing in majors] and, hey, it's almost paid off.

“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."

Rose also told the paper he was baffled at the response he received after McIlroy finally achieved his childhood ambition of completing the career grand slam by winning the coveted green jacket. 

When McIlroy lifted himself off the 18th green he was warmly embraced by Rose who told him it was a pleasure to witness a piece of history. 

Rose later said he received more text messages compared to when he won the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion. 

"It is heartwarming, yeah, but, to be honest, I have been a bit baffled because I really didn’t feel I did anything special," Rose said.  

"I just gave a mate a hug on the 18th green and told him it was great to see how special it was for him and you know, just tried to sort of table my own disappointment. 

"That's all. Maybe there were some other bigger pictures at play."

Rose has been handed a 19.09 BST tee time on day one of the PGA Championship with former Open champions Brian Harman and Cameron Smith. 

The PGA Championship gets underway on Thursday. 

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