'Chance that got away': Justin Rose rues missed opportunity after Masters stumble

The Englishman, a three-time runner-up at the tournament, held a two-shot lead at one stage during Sunday’s final round, surging into contention with four birdies in a five-hole stretch that peaked at the ninth.

But the 45-year-old’s challenge unravelled at Amen Corner, where consecutive bogeys at the 11th and 12th halted his momentum. He then failed to capitalise on a brilliant approach into the 13th, three-putting for par in a costly setback.

That stumble opened the door for Rory McIlroy to move ahead, and Rose was unable to recover the initiative. He eventually signed for a two-under 70 to finish in a four-way tie for third on 10-under par, two shots behind McIlroy, who had edged him in a play-off the previous year.

"I was really in control," Rose said. "The mentality was to run through the finish line not just try and get it done. I was playing great, but just momentum shifted for me around the Amen Corner.

"Just a chance that got away obviously. I was by no means free and clear and was nowhere close to having the job done, but I was right in position."

Rather than his two bogeys, Rose felt it was his par at the 13th that ultimately cost him the title.

"Just maybe off the back of two bogeys that was the one moment where four there really settles things down and gets me right back in it," he added.

"It was kind of like a continuation of a lot momentum I felt. So that three-putt was untimely for sure."