Justin Rose didn’t just show up at Royal Portrush to hit a few balls and snap a selfie.
His July 2025 practice round was a masterclass in strategic preparation, offering a peek behind the curtain at how top professionals actually get ready for major championships—and what the rest of us weekend warriors could steal for our own games.
Clarity Before Competition: The Power of Objective Practice
Rose’s biggest takeaway? Timing is everything.
“Coming out here ahead of time really gives me that opportunity to see the course in an environment and in a state of mind where I think I’m very objective,” Rose explained.
Tournament week? That’s when the nerves, adrenaline, and pressure kick in—and clear thinking takes a backseat.
For amateurs, the lesson is clear: if you’re prepping for a big round (even your club championship), plan an early visit.
Walk the course, note the tough spots, and get a feel for the layout before the stress kicks in.
Wind Whisperer: Reading and Reacting Like a Pro
Links golf and wind go together like bunkers and bad lies. Rose didn’t just “feel” the wind—he broke it down like a scientist.
“I’m going to play 10 yards of help at 15 mph and I’m just trimming that down bit more tight,” he said, during his round. While many amateurs are guessing wind speed and pulling the wrong club, Rose was calculating.
He also tested different ball flights, tracked how the wind affected each shot, and took notes on which holes played toughest. That kind of deliberate wind mapping is exactly what separates someone who survives Portrush from someone who watches their round blow away by the 6th hole.
Want to improve? Spend time hitting low flighted shots, practice shaping your ball into and against the wind, and stop overestimating how much the breeze is helping or hurting you.
The “Feel vs. Real” Routine That Grounds His Game
Then there’s that signature Rose move—his exaggerated practice swing where he drops the club steeply behind his back before rotating through.
It’s not a trick. It’s a drill.
Rose is training his pre-shot routine to:
- Groove better sequencing
- Shallow his swing
- Create repeatable contact
- Build confidence under pressure
He’s not just swinging—he’s programming his body to perform under stress. That’s something amateurs can adopt instantly. Develop a pre-shot routine that calms your mind, focuses your intent, and builds consistency. And yes, do it every single time.
Teamwork Makes the Strategy Work
Watching Rose at Portrush was like watching a Formula 1 pit crew in sync. His team—caddie, agent, physiotherapist—wasn’t there for moral support. They were contributing to the plan.
While you probably don’t have a physio checking your rotation or a caddie charting wind lines, the point stands: golf isn’t always a solo sport. Talk strategy with friends. Walk holes with your coach. Use a rangefinder or GPS to understand your real yardages. Gather data. Use your resources.
Rose isn’t relying on memory or “feel.” He’s building a case file on the course.
Risk vs. Reward: Strategic Shot Selection in Action
One standout moment? His analysis of the 17th hole.
“Unless the wind is hurting I’ll hit driver. Pin placements will be a factor… if it’s tucked behind the bunker, it may be better to lay up.”
That’s elite-level risk management—and exactly what amateurs often skip. Most of us see a wide fairway and think “rip it.” Rose is thinking: Where’s the best angle in? What’s the smart miss? What’s the wind doing now?
It’s chess, not checkers. Try asking: What’s the best miss here? Where do I want to leave my approach? instead of just chasing distance.
Practice with Purpose (Not Just Repetition)
Maybe the most valuable part of Rose’s routine? His attitude toward practice.
He’s not out there pounding balls for the sake of it. His sessions are focused. Purposeful. Specific. And always geared toward scoring.
“You can be here, you can be grafting, you can be putting all these hours in, but you know, you can’t guarantee a result,” Rose said. “But… if you keep preparing this way over the course of 20, 40, 50 major championships, it’s going to pay off for you.”
So while your weekend range sessions might not be leading to a Claret Jug, they should at least mean something. Set goals. Practice your worst clubs (usually wedges and drivers). Replicate on-course pressure. Stop working through your 6-iron just because it feels safe.
How to Use Rose’s Strategy in Your Own Game
Here’s the simplified amateur version of Justin Rose’s Portrush prep:
- Scout early: Walk the course when it’s quiet. Make your own notes.
- Track the wind: Notice how different clubs perform in different breezes.
- Build a routine: One that calms your mind and grooves your move.
- Ask smarter questions: “Where do I want to be next?” not “How far can I hit it?”
- Practice intentionally: More wedges, more drivers, fewer mindless reps.
Ultimately, Rose’s preparation at Portrush is a reminder that golf is a thinking game as much as it is a swinging one. And while we might not have his team or his trophy case, we can absolutely steal his habits—and maybe shave a few strokes off our own rounds in the process.
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