Justin Rose said it was “pretty funny” that his wife, Kate Rose was labeled a “mystery woman” when she was seen hugging and congratulating Rory McIlroy after his Masters victory last Sunday.
Rose, who was “tormented” after his runner-up finish to McIlroy, explained that his wife was celebrating a historic moment bigger than his loss.
Justin Rose said it was “pretty funny” that his wife, Kate Rose was labeled a “mystery woman” when she was seen hugging and congratulating Rory McIlroy after his Masters victory last Sunday.
“There was some article somewhere [saying] like, ‘Who’s the mystery woman that was hugging Rory?’” Rose, 44, said Wednesday during a press conference ahead of this week’s RBC Heritage tournament.
“It turned out to be Kate. That was pretty funny.”
Justin Rose’s wife Kate Rose hugging and congratulating Rory McIlroy after his Masters victory at Augusta National on April 13, 2025. X
Kate and McIlroy shared an emotional moment after the Irishman secured the coveted Grand Slam at Augusta National, and she was heard telling him, “I’m really, really happy for you.”
Rose explained that he didn’t rehash the exchange with Rose because he didn’t think it was “discussion-worthy.”
Justin Rose of England in action during the Pro Am event prior to the RBC Heritage 2025 at Harbour Town Golf Links on April 16, 2025. Getty Images
“Listen, I think in the moment you realize what it means to everybody involved. You realize what it means to other families, what they must be feeling. You’re a part of the moment.
“You’re a part of the story. You’re a part of all of the energy that’s going on in that moment. I think that’s what happens. You embrace that connection that you have with everybody and all that’s going on in the moment.
Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts after winning in a playoff against Justin Rose after the final round at the Masters golf tournament, Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. AP
“No, I don’t know what she said to him. I don’t think that was discussion-worthy or anything, to be honest.”
McIlroy celebrated the historic win with his wife Erica Stoll and their 4-year-old daughter Poppy.
Rose and his wife were praised for their classy demeanor in wake of his playoff loss.
Rory McIlroy and England’s Justin Rose embrace on the 18th green after McIlroy won their play-off to win The Masters and completing a career grand slam on April 13, 2025. REUTERS
The families have history.
McIlroy and Rose have been Ryder Cup teammates for many years and will likely run it back again later this year.
Rose also explained he had “mixed emotions” after his third runner-up finish at The Masters.
“Mixed emotions for sure. A lot of outpouring from people with a lot of positive comments coming at me, so trying to absorb that, trying to absorb the week, but at the same time looking at my phone and just wishing there was a different message there,” Rose said Wednesday at Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina.
Rory McIlroy celebrates on the 18th green of the 1st play-off hole after winning The Masters and completing a career grand slam with his caddie Harry Diamond holding the pin and Justin Rose in the background on April 13, 2025. REUTERS
“A lot of heartfelt commiserations and things like that. Clearly having been in situations like that before and even more this time could really sense what it would be like to win it, and felt like I was right there on the edge of winning it, obviously.
“Certainly don’t feel down in any way, shape or form just because of the performance I was able to put in and how I was able to feel putting in that performance, but just sort of — don’t know what the right word is, tormented probably, by the thought of what might have been.”
