Justin Rose’s wife ended four-year rift with phone call that inspired Open and Ryder Cup heroics

 

Justin Rose’s remarkable performances at The Open Championship and the Ryder Cup can be attributed, in part, to a pivotal phone call from his wife, Kate. The call, which ended a four-year rift between Rose and his long-time caddie Mark “Fooch” Fulcher, marked a turning point in the golfer’s career.

 

Rose and Fulcher had parted ways in 2019, but the reunion, facilitated by the wives’ intervention, has proven to be a masterstroke. Fulcher acknowledged that the reunion would not have been possible without Kate’s initiative, saying, “Mrs. Rose gets what Mrs. Rose asks for, and she’s amazing.”

 

The reunion has had a profound impact on Rose’s game, as evident from his stellar performances at The Open and the Ryder Cup. Rose, who had faced challenging conditions at Royal Troon, masterfully moved himself into contention over the opening three rounds. Although he ultimately fell short of winning the Claret Jug, his valiant effort earned him a tie for second place with Billy Horschel.

 

Fulcher, who has been instrumental in Rose’s success, praised his partner’s determination and resilience. He noted that Rose is “very conscious of his age” and is using it as an inspiration to buck the trend of younger players dominating the sport. Fulcher believes that Rose can still compete at the highest level, citing Steve Stricker as an example of a player who has achieved success in his 40s.

 

The emphasis on majors has been a key factor in Rose’s approach, and Fulcher acknowledged that finishing second at The Open has secured their spot in all the majors next year. As Rose navigates the twilight of his career, he remains committed to achieving more big victories, and with Fulcher by his side, he is confident of success.

 

The reunion has also had a personal impact on Fulcher, who joked that he was drinking too much wine and sitting on the couch during their time apart. He praised Kate Rose for her role in ending the rift, saying, “She’s always been a huge backer of me.”

 

As Rose looks to the future, he is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. However, with Fulcher’s support and his own determination, he is ready to take on the best players in the world and achieve more success in the majors.