Justin Rose’s Golden Summer: A Masterclass in Approach Play and Nerves of Steel
Justin Rose holding the trophy after his well deserved win.
Image Source: Imagn
At 45 years old, Justin Rose proved that age is no barrier to brilliance, capturing the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship in a thrilling playoff over J.J. Spaun. It was his first PGA Tour victory since the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a win that showcased a perfect blend of experience, composure, and all-round performance.
From Chaser to Champion
Rose started the final round one shot behind Tommy Fleetwood. The front nine tested him, a three-putt bogey and a costly water ball could have derailed momentum. But champions write their own scripts.
On the back nine, Rose flipped the switch, producing four birdies in his last five holes:
14th – Pin-seeking approach, converted from 15 feet.
15th – Steady tee shot and crisp wedge, holed from 9 feet.
16th – Birdie from inside 6 feet.
17th – A gutsy 23-footer that sent the Memphis crowd into a roar.
A closing par on 18 tied him with Spaun at −16, sending them to a sudden-death playoff. On the third extra hole, Rose rolled in a birdie from just under 12 feet to seal the deal and his place in history as the oldest European winner in PGA Tour history.
The Performance Numbers That Tell the Story
Rose’s win was built on consistency across every part of his game:
Scoring by Hole Type
Par 3s: −4
Par 4s: −6
Par 5s: −6
Strokes Gained (per round averages)
SG Total: +3.13
SG Tee: +0.57 – Steady driving kept him in position, avoiding big trouble.
SG Approach: +1.41 – His strongest area, hitting precise irons into scoring zones.
SG Around Green: +0.22 – Solid short game to save pars when needed.
SG Putting: +0.93 – Clutch when it mattered, especially on the back nine Sunday.
Tournament Totals & Ball-Striking Stats
Driving Distance: 295 yards – Not the longest, but plenty long enough.
Driving Accuracy: 64% – Crucial on TPC Southwind’s tight fairways.
Greens in Regulation: 69% – Hitting 50 out of 72 greens gave him constant birdie looks.
Rose led the field in strokes gained total (+12.49) and ranked among the best in approach play (+5.7). The numbers confirm what the eye saw, his iron game was razor-sharp, and he capitalized with confident putting.
Why This Win Matters
Historic – At 45, Rose becomes the oldest European to win on the PGA Tour.
Momentum Shift – Secures his spot in the Tour Championship for the first time since 2019.
Ryder Cup Boost – Puts his name back in serious contention for team selection.
Personal Milestone – Reinforces his “golden summer” narrative, proving he can still outplay the best on the biggest stages.
Lessons from Rose’s Victory
Precision beats power – You don’t need to be the longest if you’re consistently in position.
Stay composed under pressure – His four-birdie run came after a rocky start.
All-round balance wins – Approach play, putting, and driving accuracy all contributed equally.
Rose summed it up perfectly in his post-round interview:
“When I bring my best, I know I can compete and win against the best players in the world.”
More than a victory, it was a statement. Justin Rose’s latest triumph shows that in golf, class, experience, and mental toughness are timeless.