Justin Rose targets majors after reclaiming No. 1 spot

He returned to world No. 1 with victory in Turkey, but now Justin Rose has his eye on more major trophies next year.

The Englishman beat China’s Haotong Li in a playoff to successfully defend his Turkish Airlines Open title and in the process leapfrogged American Brooks Koepka at the top of the world rankings.

Li led by three shots heading into the final day in Antalya, but Rose fired a final-round 68 to force a sudden-death playoff after the pair tied at 17 under.

It was Li who cracked under the pressure, three-putting from just nine feet to gift Rose the title.

Following the victory – the first title defense of his 20-year career – Rose said he now wants to emulate the likes of Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington by winning major titles as he approaches his 40s.

“More majors for sure, that’s what I’m interested in,” said the 38-year-old Rose. “I’m trying to chase down as many as I can.

“You’ve seen players like Phil and Padraig have hot spells towards the end of their careers where they have amassed two or three really quickly.

“If I was able to do that on the top of what I’ve already achieved, it would make things really good, so very much focusing on the majors … maybe not playing too much and playing as fresh as I can for those.”

READ: 19 golf courses you have to play before you die

READ: What’s it like to caddie for nine-time major champion Gary Player?

Justin Rose, England: current No. 1 —

Justin Rose is only the fourth Englishman to hold the world No. 1 spot. Here's a look back at the other 22 golfers to hold the world No. 1 ranking.

Brooks Koepka, US: 2 weeks at No. 1 —

Three major wins (US Open 2017, 2018; PGA Championship 2018).

Justin Thomas, US: 4 weeks at No. 1 —

One major win (PGA Championship 2017)

Dustin Johnson, US, 78 weeks at No. 1 —

One major win (2016 US Open)

Jason Day, Australia: 51 weeks at No. 1 —

One major win (PGA Championship 2015).

Jordan Spieth, US: 26 weeks —

Two major wins (Masters 2015; US Open 2015; British Open 2017).

Adam Scott, Australia: 11 weeks —

One major win (Masters 2013).

Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland: 95 weeks —

Four major wins (US Open 2011; British Open 2014; PGA Championship 2012, 2014).

Luke Donald, England: 56 weeks —

No major wins.

Martin Kaymer, Germany: 8 weeks —

Two major wins (US Open 2014; PGA Championship 2010).

Lee Westwood, England: 22 weeks —

No major wins.

Tiger Woods, US: 683 weeks —

14 major wins (Masters 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005; US Open 2000, 2002, 2008; British Open 2000, 2005, 2006; PGA Championship 1999, 2000, 2006, 2007).

Vijay Singh, Fiji: 32 weeks —

Three major wins (Masters 2000; PGA Championship 1998, 2004).

David Duval, US: 15 weeks —

One major win (British Open 2001).

Ernie Els, South Africa: 9 weeks —

Four major wins (US Open 1994, 1997; British Open 2002, 2012).

Tom Lehman, US: 1 week —

One major win (British Open 1996).

Nick Price, Zimbabwe: 44 weeks —

Three major wins (British Open 1994; PGA Championship 1992, 1994).

Fred Couples, US: 16 weeks —

One major win (Masters 1992).

Ian Woosnam, Wales: 50 weeks —

One major win (Masters 1991).

Nick Faldo, England: 97 weeks —

Six major wins (Masters 1989, 1990 and 1996, The Open 1987, 1990 and 1992).

Greg Norman, Australia: 331 weeks —

Two major wins (The Open 1986 and 1993).

Seve Ballesteros, Spain: 61 weeks —

Five major wins (Masters 1980 and 1983, The Open 1979, 1984 and 1988).

Bernhard Langer, Germany: 3 weeks —

Two major wins (Masters 1985, 1993).

The 22 top-ranked golfers: From Bernhard Langer to Justin Rose

Prev Next

Rose’s sole major triumph to date is the 2013 US Open when he finished two shots clear of Mickelson and Jason Day at Merion. He lost a playoff to Sergio Garcia at the Masters last year and also finished tied second behind Italian Francesco Molinari at the Open at Carnoustie in July.

But three top-four finishes in September and third at the World Golf Championship event in October suggest more major silverware could be just around the corner.

Rose first became world No.1 on September 10 despite losing a playoff to American Keegan Bradley at the BMW Championship.

He spent two weeks at the head of the rankings and sealed the $10 million FedEx Cup title at the season-ending Tour Championship, which was won by Tiger Woods for his first victory in five years.

Video Ad Feedback

On the bag with Georgia Hall at the Evian

03:35 - Source: CNN

However, long-time world No.1 Dustin Johnson’s third place at East Lake took him back to the top of the rankings before he in turn was usurped by Koepka, the US Open and US PGA champion this year.

But Rose’s victory in Turkey – the 23rd title of his career – took him back to golf’s summit for the second time.

“It’s really nice to be back at world No. 1,” said Rose. “That’s just something to be proud of. It certainly doesn’t make you one under par on the first tee the next time you play, but it’s something to be proud of for sure.

“I’m heading home now, which is exciting. I’m sure we will re-toast getting to No. 1, and this time I’ve got some silverware.

Visit cnn.com/golf for more news and videos

“Last time it was muted because I was still so mad at not winning the tournament at the BMW, but this time I’ve got the double-kind-of-winning feeling, so it might be a bit more fun to celebrate it at this time.”