Apr8 Rose andBrits

Justin Rose says he really enjoyed his Masters experience despite throwing away the chance to win it by taking a double bogey six on the 17th.

Rose, who went out in the final group at Augusta with Padraig Harrington, was just one shot behind leader Zach Johnson on the 17th tee.

But he said: “At two over I felt I was right in it, but 17 was unfortunate because I haven’t driven it well all week there.

“I really surprised myself with how calm I felt and how in control of my emotions I was. I just believed all day that that I was going to do something special and I fancied myself coming down the stretch, but the 17th cost me.” Even so it’s Rose’s best finish in a Major finish since he tied fourth as an amateur in the 1998 Open at Birkdale.

He added: “That result at Birkdale was just pure rawness and I felt no pressure then, whereas this result feels more of a sustained effort. I really learned a lot about myself today, and I really feel I have what it takes to go on and win Majors now.

“I hit some great shots out there and felt realty calm under pressure. It was a pity about the last couple of holes, but I kept my head up and I was pleased with that.

“Every time I made bogey or double, I bounced back, kept grinding, kept believing in myself. I said ‘let’s try to make this the greatest comeback in Masters history – well maybe apart from Jack’s – but it would still have been pretty good from seven over.”

Rose’s partner Padraig Harrington had a rollercoaster day, but still tied seventh with a total of +5.

He said: “I walk away from this tournament knowing that I have what it takes to win the Masters.”