Justin Rose cruises to his 10th US PGA Tour victory with final-round 69 at Torrey Pines

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Things nearly got away from Justin Rose early in his final round at Torrey Pines, as the Englishman bogeyed three of his first five holes and saw his three-shot lead shrink to two. But it proved to be a minor hiccup, with Rose regaining the world No.1 form he displayed the first three rounds. He played the final 13 holes in five-under, posting a closing 69 to claim his 10th career US PGA Tour victory.

Rose carded sub 70 rounds all four days for a 21-under 267 total, both the second-lowest aggregate score and second-lowest score to par in Farmers Insurance Open history. And he did it all without the help of his longtime caddie Mark Fulcher, who underwent heart surgery two weeks ago. “Fooch” was the first person Rose mentioned after the win.

“Fooch, that was for you mate,” said Rose, who now has the most wins for an Englishman on tour. “I’m sure watching us all week was harder than the heart surgery. Mate, love you and we’ll see you soon.”

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Rose has now finished T-4 or better in five of his past 11 starts on tour, including two victories. Even with a completely new set of clubs (Rose announced he signed with Honma on January 1) and a new putter, he hasn’t missed a beat.

“I changed everything up in the search to try and get better, obviously big ups to the guys at Honma who worked so closely with me to get it all done so quickly. I’ve got really comfortable with the clubs immediately, can’t believe how good the driver is and how well I’ve driven it this week, it was a tough test.

“Putter, new change as well, that’s gone great. A whole new look to me, but I don’t mind it if it’s going to produce this golf.”

The victory sets up Rose to have another big season, one he hopes ends with his second career Major championship. If he continues to play like this, he’ll be one of the firm favourites heading into the Masters.

“It [the win] affords you a little bit of patience, it affords you to really look at your schedule and not have to chase points and really prepare well for the Majors, which is my goal this year. But I haven’t won in January since about 2002, so it feels great.”

Finishing alone in second was Adam Scott, whose putter caught fire just a bit too late on Sunday. After playing the first 14 holes in even-par, the Queenslander birdied each of the last four holes to fire a 68, which put him at 19-under 269.

Hideki Matsuyama and Talor Gooch finished in a tie for third at 16-under 272, while Jason Day, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm tied for fifth at 14-under 274.