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.
😂👏🏻👏🏻 @JustinRose99 pic.twitter.com/tWY8Xst262
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) October 13, 2018
“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.
Disappointing week for me, but thanks for having me at this year's @british_masters @JustinRose99, great host! #europeantour pic.twitter.com/rMNOUUWEQV
— Martin Kaymer (@MKaymer59) October 12, 2018
Enjoyed another @british_masters
— Chris Hanson (@Hansonprogolf) October 14, 2018
Great host @JustinRose99 🏌️♂️
Great players lounge ☕️
Great course @waltonheath_gc ⛳️
Great fans 🇬🇧
Let’s have more events in England please @EuropeanTour 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/2PbZwK3Z9d
👇🏻 Legend. 👌🏼 https://t.co/Pvcuu0TNej
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) October 11, 2018
It would have been nice to have played a little better the last couple of weeks, but the main goal was to test out my back & see how it faired - Mission accomplished!! Big thanks to @JustinRose99 for being a great host this week for the @british_masters #onwardsandupwards
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) October 12, 2018
THANK YOU to everyone who came out to say hello this week - it’s so nice to hear how much you all enjoyed @RyderCupEurope’s performance in Paris! 💪 And to our host @justinprose99 - thank you - you do so much for this game. A class act! 💙💙💙 pic.twitter.com/5HcWplocvm
— Thomas Bjorn (@thomasbjorngolf) October 12, 2018
Not to be this week unfortunately. Thanks to @JustinRose99 for hosting a fantastic tournament... we expected nothing less! 😉 pic.twitter.com/Gv7mVIarpf
— Thorbjørn Olesen (@Thorbjornolesen) October 12, 2018