Justin Rose believes his decision to turn down LIV Golf in 2022 has been “vindicated” by his increase in form on the PGA Tour in recent years.
Rose picked up his first tournament win of the season at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, which also marked his 13th PGA Tour victory and third since receiving an offer to join the Saudi-backed LIV four years ago.
The Englishman was runner-up at the 2025 Masters and was a key component of a first away Ryder Cup win in 13 years – opportunities he may have missed out on, along with compatriots Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, had he left the PGA Tour.
Justin Rose scored a dominant win at the Farmers Insurance Open
“Yes, it confirmed the decision (to reject LIV),” Rose said. “The way things are in the golf world right now, I feel like it’s good to see people who want to play where they’re motivated to be their best.”
“My career goals have always been attainable only by staying on the European Tour and the PGA Tour, because they’re not, you know, accessible any other way.”
“I want to play among the best players in the world. That’s obviously for me what motivates me, what keeps me hungry, what keeps me pushing.”
“So it would be easy to potentially do other things, but none of that excited me, I don’t really think.”
“I’ve always felt like, from childhood, I wouldn’t feel very good about making that decision and giving up on those dreams.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Justin Rose said it doesn’t get any easier when asked how he’s preparing at age 45 after winning the Farmers Insurance Open
The world number three had been without a world win for three years when LIV Golf called ahead of its launch, but Rose’s focus was, and remains, on a career-high second.
“I’ve been close. I’d say, you know, I’ve been sniffing and knocking on the doors of a few big ones since those decisions and those moments.
“I’ve achieved a lot in the game, but I’ve only achieved a lot once.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Justin Rose celebrated a brilliant second round at the Farmers Insurance Open in brilliant and unique fashion
“I was really close to the Open, I was really close to the Masters. The dream of winning all four was obviously the ultimate goal since I was a kid.
“It seems a long way from thinking that way, but if you think about some of the results I’ve had in the last year or 18 months, I’m not that far off so I might as well keep believing.”
Watch Justin Rose in PGA Tour and DP World Tour action all season long live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Ski Sports or stream without a contract on NOW.