TROON, Scotland —­ Amidst the inevitable ‘coulda, woulda, shoulda’ inquests that closely follow the climax of any and every major championship, perhaps the most poignant this time round featured Justin Rose. The South African-born Englishman will turn 44 nine days after what was not his first brush with victory in the Open Championship, the major every Brit wants to win most. For all that the former U.S. Open champion performed with notable distinction en route to a tie for second place in the 152nd Open here at Royal Troon, there is certainty that he is nearer the end of his career than the beginning.

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That thought has clearly crossed his mind. Only minutes after making a last despairing birdie on the 72nd hole, Rose was talking of a moment he had shared earlier in the week with old pal Henrik Stenson. After playing nine holes in practice, the pair—partners in many a Ryder Cup battle—posed together for a souvenir photograph on the spot where the Swede holed the winning putt in the 2016 Open. That is not the sort of thing youngsters do. It’s a nostalgic moment, one owned by the middle-aged.

So it was the notion flourished that this was, if not Rose’s last chance to double his major tally, close to his final hurrah. Even in a modern world where careers tend to last longer than ever before—see Phil Mickelson’s PGA Championship win at age 51—a player’s mid-40s more often than not continue to represent something of a black hole in career terms. Too old to be competitive at the very highest level and too young for the Champions Tour.

Not surprisingly given the fact that Rose can point to a brilliant performance in last year’s Ryder Cup and a T-6 finish at this year’s PGA Championship, the former Olympic champion was having none of that downbeat notion. Quite the contrary. This is a man who continues to seek out what he calls “big stage moments.”

Justin Rose shows his frustration after missing a birdie putt on the 15th hole.

David Cannon

“In the PGA Championship at Valhalla—a bomber’s paradise that shouldn’t suit me well—I got myself right in the mix there until a couple of late bogeys,” he pointed out. “I was in the hunt well into the back nine Sunday. So at two major championships this year, against the strongest fields in golf, I’ve had my two best weeks. That’s what I’m gunning for. That’s what I’m working hard for—to have these big-time moments toward the end of my career. Today was a lot of fun. I’ve put a lot of time and effort and resources into my health and wellness, and hopefully I can stretch that out. Still hungry for it, and this only increases that hunger.”

Backing up the assertion that all is far from visible only in Rose’s rearview mirror, 54-year-old three-time major champion Padraig Harrington is one who sees hope rather than hopelessness in the future of the 11-time winner on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

“The hard part is you try too hard,” said the Irishman of the aging process. “Justin is striking the ball really well. He looks really as good as he ever has in his career. But at our stage we are always in danger of trying too hard. Watching the third round yesterday, you might have thought he used up a lot of energy. It meant a lot to him. But he was grinding away in tough conditions. I certainly don’t think he’s underrated.”

Still, the feeling lingers that, of all the contenders for the title eventually annexed by Xander Schauffele, Rose had the most to lose. And not just because of his age. For an Englishman of his vintage and level of previous accomplishment, the future possibilities were surely tantalizing. A rise in status inside and outside the game for one.

A Hall of Fame berth surely beckoned. Two majors, an Olympic title, six Ryder Cup appearances and numerous other victories around the world would make that a racing certainty.

Then there is the real possibility that, in due course, Rose would no longer be a plain “mister.” Throw in his commitment to the “Rose Series” for up-and-coming women professionals, as well as his copious charity work and “Arise Sir Justin” would surely ring out around Buckingham Palace in a knighthood ceremony. (So far, only three golfers have earned such an honor or its female equivalent: Henry Cotton, Nick Faldo and Dame Laura Davies).

None of those things was occupying Rose’s mind in the wake of what was his 22nd top-10 finish in a major and his second (after 2018 at Carnoustie) runner-up spot in the Open. Asked for his overriding emotion, he spoke with real eloquence and feeling. The deal he made with himself was to come off the course with no regrets. And only the most churlish observer could argue that he didn’t meet his end of the deal. Yes, this was a great opportunity to fulfil a lifetime ambition, but no one left Royal Troon thinking he had squandered his chance.

“I was gutted when I walked off the course,” admitted Rose. “It hit me hard because I was so strong out there today. I got off to the start I wanted. I really played the way I wanted to. I got off on the front foot. I played my way right into the tournament early doors. I felt comfortable with it all day. I did a lot of the hard things really well.

“Momentum-wise, there was a critical moment midway through the back nine. Xander got it going. I hit a couple of really good putts that didn’t fall. Then suddenly that lead stretched. In terms of how I played and the execution of my emotions today, I left it all out there. I’m super proud of how I competed. And yes, I’ll have a few more chances.”

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