Justin Rose: A Champion’s Commitment to Growing Women’s Golf

Words: Andrew Crockett  

European Ryder Cup star, major champion, Olympic gold medallist, and former world number one - Justin Rose’s golfing résumé is impressive. From victories in South Africa and Turkey to triumphs in the USA, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong and beyond, Rose has established himself as one of the sport’s elite. But his impact extends far beyond the men’s professional circuit. Fresh off his appearance at the BMW Championship in Colorado, we caught up with Justin to discuss his pivotal role in elevating women’s golf through the Ladies Rose Series. 

During the COVID confusion, when much of the world was grappling with uncertainty, professional golf found itself at a standstill. For Justin Rose and his wife, Kate, a casual conversation during 2020 turned into a defining moment, not just for them, but for women’s golf in the UK. 

It started with a need. As men’s PGA events slowly returned, the women’s game remained in limbo. When Justin and Kate heard about Liz Young's initiative, gathering female golfers to play in small, self-funded events to keep their skills sharp, it struck a chord. “They were doing whatever it took to stay competitive,” Justin recalls. The Roses recognised the importance of fostering a space for these athletes, especially as the nature of professional sports demands regular competition to stay sharp. 

The solution wasn’t easy, but it was clear: they needed to create opportunities for women to compete. With Kate by his side, Justin fronted one of the initial events, and soon, what began as a single tournament grew into something far bigger, the Ladies Rose Series. 

“We wanted to provide a reason for the women to practice, to stay competitive, with a scorecard in hand,” Justin explains. The series was a gap-filler, designed to slot into periods when the Ladies European Tour and other circuits weren’t in full swing. In a year dominated by cancellations, this was the spark needed to keep women's golf moving. 

Filling the Gaps, Creating Opportunity 

In 2020, the Rose Ladies Series kicked off with eight events. Now, with sights set on 2024 and beyond, it’s clear that this series is not just a temporary solution. “Our series is designed to be fluid,” Justin says. "It's there to fill the gaps where the larger tours leave off." 

April this year, for example, saw several Rose Ladies events, offering players crucial opportunities to compete in the early season. Rather than creating direct competition with established tours, the Roses’ focus is on complementing the existing structures, providing women with more playing opportunities. 

Now in its fifth year, the series has established itself as almost a ‘pre-season’ for players competing on the Ladies European Tour and its satellite circuit, the Access Series. It has visited high-calibre courses such as Wentworth, West Lancs, Royal St George’s, Royal Birkdale and Hillside, paying out more than £450,000 in prize money along the way. 

But it’s more than just providing a space to play. For Justin and Kate, it’s about promoting women's golf, celebrating the stories of its players, and showcasing the immense talent that might otherwise be overlooked. “We’ve been fortunate to grow the series with great partners, and it’s been wonderful to align ourselves with others who care deeply about promoting women in sport.” 

Growing the Game: From Juniors to the Pros 

For Justin Rose, growing the game goes beyond the professional ranks. One of his fondest memories is of playing Junior Opens throughout the UK. “I travelled all over the country, playing 36-hole competitions at different courses,” he reminisces.  

I was definitely a beneficiary of some of the coaching programs available to me through my county, Hampshire, and also through the EGU, the English Golf Union. But, you know, I was also super fortunate to have my dad so involved in my development and really, I felt that was probably the thing I was gifted most was having a great relationship with him and his knowledge and his ability to spend the time with me developing my game. I know that's not always the case and not all juniors have access to that, and these programs are super important and valuable. I hope that they go from strength to strength because all these young players seem to hit the ground running these days and that is probably a testament to all of the great foundations, they have in place through these initiatives that help boys and girls get into golf. 

Justin’s personal experiences as a child inspired him to create the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship, a platform that honours his roots and fosters new talent. 

“It’s not just about the elite,” Justin says, highlighting the inclusive nature of the tournament. “We’ve added a net division so everyone can take part, not just those at the top level.” 

This inclusive approach is vital for growing the sport, ensuring that golf is accessible to a broader audience and fostering a love for the game in players from all backgrounds. And the results are visible. Boys and girls compete equally in the finals, a testament to the importance of equal opportunities for all young players. 

Paying it Forward: The Power of Giving Back 

Beyond the tournaments, the Roses' commitment to charity is evident through their work with the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation. “We’ve always tried to give back to the communities where we’ve lived,” Justin says. The foundation, which began after the family moved to the United States, was launched when Kate Rose became involved with the PGA Tour Wives Association, a group who has a mission to give back to the communities in which they played the PGA Tour events, and that ethos really hit home with the Rose family. 

Their foundation has focused on feeding underprivileged children and supporting communities in need. Whether through hurricane relief efforts in the Bahamas or feeding food-insecure families through programs like Blessings in a Backpack, the Roses have consistently used their platform to make a positive impact. 

“We have always believed that golf is a great vehicle for raising money,” Justin notes, though the recipients of their charity are not always directly tied to the sport. “It's about feeding hungry tummies and curious minds,” he explains, “a powerful mission that extends beyond the fairways.” 

For Justin and Kate Rose, golf is more than just a sport. It’s a platform for empowerment, a way to create opportunities for women and young players, and a means to give back to those in need. Their story is a reminder that when you see a gap in the world, you don’t wait for someone else to fill it. You step up and make it happen. 

As the Rose Ladies Series continues to grow and evolve, one thing is clear: the Roses' commitment to women’s golf is steadfast, and they’re not done yet.