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GolfJustin Rose, a symbol of team spirit and better decision-making
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Published 14/08/2025 at 11:48 GMT+1
Aon is celebrating Justin Rose in a new documentary chronicling the British golfer’s journey during the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, where Europe triumphed over the United States. Rose’s resilience, leadership, and better decisions throughout the competition earned him the prestigious Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon.
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Golf is often seen as an intensely individual sport, where players battle the course and their own inner struggles as well as opponents. However, in the Ryder Cup, golf transforms into a true team game.
Every two years, the best American and European players face off in what is arguably the sport’s ultimate test of teamwork, strategy, and unity. With six Ryder Cup appearances to his name, Justin Rose understands this better than most.
In 2023, Rose delivered when it mattered most - sinking crucial putts, mentoring his rookie teammate Robert MacIntyre, and being a constant, steady presence throughout the three-day competition. He was instrumental in Europe’s victory.
In recognition of his contributions, long-time Ryder Cup partner Aon has released a documentary titled Defining Decisions: Justin Rose, available on the Ryder Cup’s YouTube channel.
Born in South Africa but proudly British, Rose made better decisions under immense pressure.
His unwavering composure helped him win the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by Aon named in honour of the iconic moment in 1969 when Jack Nicklaus conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin, resulting in a tied Ryder Cup.
Today, the award is given to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, resilience, and leadership, and makes better decisions both on and off the course - qualities Rose displayed in abundance.
His path to that moment, however, was anything but easy. Once dubbed the "next Tiger Woods" by the British press, Rose struggled at the start of his professional career, failing to make a single cut. He also endured personal tragedy, losing his father, trainer, and mentor at just 57 years old.
The captain’s crucial choice
Despite the setback, Justin Rose became the 2013 US Open champion, the first Olympic gold medallist in 2016, and the world’s top-ranked player in 2018.
Still, one thing eluded him: a defining team performance like the 2023 Ryder Cup. Left out of the previous squad in 2021 when the US won, his return was made possible by European captain Luke Donald - a decision that proved invaluable.
It was a choice that he wouldn’t regret. "If you want to win the Ryder Cup, you need experience," Donald explained. He relied on 43-year-old Rose to be a leader among a younger squad. One of those players, Robert MacIntyre, said, "Justin put me in the best frame of mind. Thanks to him, I played with confidence."
"From the moment Luke picked me, every training session, every move I made had one purpose: the Ryder Cup," Rose recalls in the documentary. When the tournament arrived, Rose was more than ready.
During the event, Rose partnered with MacIntyre in a foursomes match (where teammates alternate shots using the same ball) against Americans Wyndham Clark and Max Homa. On the 18th hole, the match was close, and Rose made a critical putt that secured a tie - maintaining Europe’s unbeaten record for the day. It was a significant moment for Rose and the competition.
Kate Rose, Justin’s wife, admitted: "I told myself that if the ball didn’t go in, I’d never step foot on a golf course again!"
Tony Jacklin, recalling the 1969 moment that inspired the award, commented: "The last hole with all of your teammates sat close to the green watching you, that’s what you call pressure..."
'That’s for you!'
Silence fell over the 18th hole as Rose lined up the putt. He made it. The ball followed the perfect path and dropped into the hole. He immediately turned to his teammates, shouting: "That’s for you!"
Rather than celebrating individually, Rose directed the moment toward his team. "There’s nothing like enjoying success as a team," he later said.
It was that putt, as well as his attitude throughout the Ryder Cup, that won him the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award. "When you reward Justin, it’s not just for his game but also for his influence when he enters a room," recalled Jacklin.
Luke Donald, team captain, called it a "magical moment" and believes that Justin Rose "deserved the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award more than anyone."
Rose acknowledged the significance of the award. "We all know the story of Nicklaus and Jacklin, but the more time goes on, the more this story needs to be understood. This prize continues to give life and meaning to this legend."
He added: "This trophy represents teamwork, the integrity of competition and being the best version of yourself, all while fighting fiercely." We couldn’t have defined the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award better.
Learn more about the Nicklaus Jacklin award presented by Aon here.
Watch the Justin Rose documentary here.
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