England’s current golf icon, Justin Rose, came very close to winning the 2025 Masters, falling to Rory McIlroy in a sudden-death playoff after a thrilling round of 66, which featured 10 birdies (one shy of the single-round record). It was Rose’s second Masters playoff loss, the first coming to Sergio GarcÃa in 2017.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in Hampshire, England, Rose was a golf prodigy who shocked the world as a 17-year-old amateur with a fourth-place finish at the 1998 Royal Birkdale Open, leaving the fairway on 18. After turning pro that year, he struggled early on, losing 21 straight cuts, but finally broke through in 2002 by winning the Dunhill Championship held at Houghton Golf Club in his hometown.
His enviable golf swing has been shaped over the years by TOP 100 GOLF TEACHERS Sean Foley and Mark Blackburn, his coach since 2023 and whose tweaks helped lead to Rose’s Pebble Beach win in 2023 and Masters heroics in 2025. And despite ongoing back problems, Rose’s resilience still shines through. He has an Olympic gold medal (2016) and 11 Tour wins plus an impeccable Ryder Cup winning average.
The 2025 Rose Masters charge, with birdies on five of six holes from the 10th, shows his undeniable grit. His heart and skill (see above) keep him in the hunt, a testament to his tenacity and a role model for players chasing glory at any age.
Read below for an overview of Rose’s swing and what you can learn from it.
1. Address
Rose’s tracking arm is bent just enough to show part of his front arm, a simple move that keeps his shoulders square. Excellent posture with the upper back rounded down and slightly to the right.
2. Takeaway
Justin’s club head leads the parade here, apparently “dragging” the rest of his body to the top. It’s a great move to copy and keep the hands from working too fast inside.
3. Ball
However you do it, copy the way Justin places the club head between his two arms as he reaches the top. You can thank me later.
4. Discount
The fact that you can still see the zipper on Justin’s sweater at this point down is proof that this guy really knows how to swing a golf club. He’s leading with his lower body and — as Jack Nicklaus always recommended — “saving the turn for last.” Perfect.
5. Impact
Notice how Justin keeps his trailing arm under his leading arm as he hits the ball. It doesn’t get much better than this. And although this is just a picture, you can see that his back hips are lifting a bit as he pushes off his back leg. Hall of fame stuff.
6. Release
Justin swings right as he “throws” the club head past his hands while straightening his arm and wrist. And look at the wrinkles in his jumper! That’s the side turn, folks, and the ultimate key to power and accuracy.
