Host Rose rounds off a week to remember

Justin Rose rounded off a special week as tournament host of the Sky Sports British Masters by adding yet another top ten finish to his impressive body of work in 2018.

The Olympic Champion struggled with illness earlier in the week, but after battling to make the cut on Friday he closed with weekend rounds of 69 and 70 to finish in eighth position on three under par - the best finish by a British Masters host.

Rose succeeded Ian Poulter, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood in the role, and having recently reached the summit of the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time, taking on a different challenge at a European Tour event at Walton Heath has been another notable addition to his career highlights.

The Major Champion has been an exemplary ambassador for the event, bringing several of his own touches to the British Masters, including providing a gym for his fellow professionals, presenting them with Cadbury’s British Masters chocolates and taking part in Tuesday night’s Hero Challenge at Canary Wharf.

He was equally busy during the tournament days, giving up his time to take part in a Sky Sports masterclass and even doing a stint in the commentary box.

“It’s been an honour hosting,” said Rose. “That’s the only way to wrap it up. It’s kept me motivated this week. I’ve definitely dug in a little harder, particularly on Friday when I didn’t want to miss the cut in an event I’m hosting.  So the role has kept me working hard, on the course as well as off it, trying to be a good host.

“It’s been fun. I’ve tried to do the main things and not sweat the details. My manager and the European Tour have done a great job in helping to support me. It’s a huge honour to have your mug shot splashed all over the place.

“It’s a big European Tour event and I love the fact the four of us have hosted it over the past four years and it has been a fun and unique thing to do. You see the crowds turning out like this and it shows the thirst there is for golf in the UK.”

Rose's efforts have been much appreciated by everybody at Walton Heath this week, especially his fellow players who took to social media to show their gratitude.