Justin Rose owns Masters heartache in quest for elusive green jacket

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Justin Rose seemed bemused by the notion that he is a "huge part of the history, the story" of the Masters Tournament.

After all, his name is on the trophy three times - each time right below the name of that year's champion.

"Yeah, I guess," he said with a wry smile, drawing laughter during his press conference at Augusta National on Monday.

Now 45 and preparing for his 21st Masters, Rose has a very pragmatic approach to his three runner-ups here. That includes a pair of playoff losses, most recently to Rory McIlroy just last year.

"I'm very aware that I've been close here. I'm very aware that I've had tough, tough losses here," he said. "I also am aware that I enjoy this place. So I don't want to feel that those three second-place finishes need to create a different sort of feeling for me."

Rose also doesn't buy into the theory that he has a significant advantage over most in the 91-player field because of his experience around Augusta. He said there are subtle changes to the course every year, and that what he thinks he knows can change on any given hole.

And that's before the execution element of golf is even factored in.

"You can know everything in the world, but when it comes to execution, if you're not playing well, it doesn't matter how well you know anything," Rose said. "It's an execution-based business, and the golf course doesn't know what I know. Basically, I've got to put a swing on a ball or make a good read in the moment or put it on the right speed and do all the things you have to do week in and week out to play well.

Rose is a major champion. He has also won an Olympic gold medal, multiple Ryder Cups and earlier this year set the tournament scoring record en route to winning the Farmers