Justin Rose Lost His Cool At Scottish Open

Fans and commentators have noticed an alarming trend this season.  During the US Open, Rory McIlroy tossed his club, and Wyndham Clark damaged a locker.  During the PGA Championship, Clark threw his club at a sign in frustration.  Brooks Koepka had a moment during the LIV Dallas Tournament where he swung at a tee marker and almost hit some spectators with the marker.  Now Justin Rose has joined the list during the Genesis Scottish Open when he took a swing at his bag and almost hit his own caddie in the process.

What Happened at The Scottish Open

During the third round at the Genesis Scottish Open, Justin Rose had a very strong start.  Within the first six holes, he managed to shoot three birdies.  A great way to start the second half of a tournament.  However, it came crashing down with three back-to-back bogeys, leaving the Englishman frustrated.  The ninth hole looked like it was going to be a shoo-in for Rose until his ball bounced into a bunker.  Although it was next to the green, unfortunately, when he got out of the bunker, he was still twenty feet away from the hole, ruining a chance for a par.  He then proceeded to hit his bag with his club, barely missing his caddie’s hand.

Justin Rose’s Normal Behavior

This outburst came as a shock to many fans.  Sure, he has had his fair share of bad shots, but he has always kept himself grounded while looking forward.  After the Masters, he was lauded for his message to Rory McIlroy, congratulating him on his win and career grand slam. No one was expecting his emotions to get the best of him.  He did manage to collect himself by the end of the tournament.  Rose managed to finish solidly in the top ten with sixth place, while Chris Gotterup took home the grand prize.  Rose’s fourth round was bogey-free with seven birdies.  

Rose Highlights An Issue

Traditionally, golf has been seen as a gentleman’s sport.  All players are expected to keep a level head and respond appropriately to what happens on the field.  Rose is normally the model example of just that, but he slipped up.  He did get back on track, but it also highlighted something to note.  There are players this year who have done much worse.  Compared to them, Rose still kept himself contained despite the near miss.  The above examples put people in danger while also damaging the player’s surroundings.  Rose kept it directed at his own bag.  Sure, there have been consequences for players like Wyndham Clark, but there are now calls for this behavior to be clamped down on.  Whenever one of those videos goes viral, there are always calls for a suspension.  Especially when something goes flying.  

Justin Rose may have lost his cool, but he managed to move past that moment.  He will receive some criticism for it, but he seems equipped to do better in the future.  As for the other players who lost their cool this year.  Hopefully, this is just an outlier year, and it will be addressed.