At the tee in the fourth round of the 2025 Masters Tournament, it was a clear contest between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. With the LIV Golf pro breathing down his neck, the Irishman fumbled on the very first hole. On the par-4 Tea Olive, McIlroy managed a double bogey to drop down to the same score as DeChambeau. After a little back and forth, the 29x PGA Tour winner was back at the top by the end of the front 9 with a four-stroke lead against the field.

That’s when the drama began. As McIlroy struggled with three bogeys and a double bogey in the back nine, another name ROSE to the occasion to try and win a Green Jacket himself. If you didn’t catch the hint, yes, it was Justin Rose. As the Irishman’s score dropped, the Englishman cashed in with six birdies in the back nine. Rose pushed McIlroy to his limits in the playoffs before succumbing to the brilliance of the newest Grand Slam champion.

Not many thought that Rose would jump back into contention after going 3-over 75 in the third round. Most of the world was busy debating who among DeChambeau and McIlroy would win. But there was one man who had faith that the 44-year-old veteran would be a threat to both individuals on Sunday. Famous American journalist and former NFL star, Michael Strahan, joined Kira Dixon for an exclusive interview on Under the Umbrellas presented by The Masters on YouTube. The interview was taped before the events of the final round unfolded, and everyone had only one question in mind.

Dixon raised that question for Strahan as she asked, “Who’s your pick to win?” The New York Giants legend confessed, “I’ve been fortunate enough over the years to meet a lot of these guys and spend a lot of quality time with some of them. Justin Rose is one of those guys. One of my favorite people on the planet because he’s the nicest guy there is. I would love to see Justin win.” Unlike most netizens, the ex-NFL star wanted Rose to come out on top and win his first Green Jacket.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to some who have seen Strahan and Rose collaborate in the past. In fact, the two were joined by Justin Timberlake as they all enjoyed a round of golf on a links course in the Bahamas back in 2021. In fact, they had played at Baha Mar’s Royal Blue Golf Course, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Coming back to the interview, Strahan also added, “But then I look at another guy; Rory. This is like the one stone he needs in his Thanos glove. He needs the Masters.” His comparison of the Grand Slam champion honor to the Infinity Gauntlet from the end of Phase 1 of the Avengers seems apt, considering both can lead to world domination in their own respects.. Wouldn’t that make Rory McIlroy Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man since both of them won in the end?

The footballer-turned-journalist didn’t forget to mention Bryson DeChambeau as well in the interview. Strahan continued, “I spent time with Bryson, who I find to be fascinating. What a guy! I think he brings a unique perspective to the game of someone who thinks in a different way.” The mad scientist has gained a lot of fame due to his unique approach to golf. Once criticized for bringing science into golf, the mad scientist has won fans over with his incredible drive, skills, and passion for the sport. DeChambeau is one of the most beloved figures in the game now.

Coming back to Michael Strahan, he ended the segment with a closing statement about whom he will be supporting in the final round. He said, “I would love to see Rosie win it. I know how hard he works. He is closer to my age than he is to your age,” to Kira Dixon. There is an 11-year age gap between Dixon and Rose, while Strahan is only 9 years older than the PGA Tour pro. He confessed, “I would like to see an older guy win. But Rory, I wouldn’t be mad and Bryson, I’d be happy as well.” Despite showing strong support for Rose, Strahan doesn’t seem to have any favorites among the three as he believes all of them deserve to win the Green Jacket in the end.

While it was refreshing to see Justin Rose getting the support he deserved even before he nearly chased down Rory McIlroy, both individuals received a lot of love for their performance at Augusta National last week. Let’s see who else dropped by to leave their best wishes for Rose and McIlroy after the tournament was completed.

Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose receive love from the entire world

Rory McIlroy received congratulatory messages from people all around the world. Not long after his win, Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry reshared an Instagram post from The Masters and the 29x PGA Tour winner, revealing that the latter is the sixth Grand Slam champion. The story also included an image of McIlroy from Augusta National, and Curry also added a short message saying “Your time good man! @rorymcilroy.” Warriors on NBCS shared it on X with the caption “Game recognize game 🤝.” Despite their differences, even the POTUS, Donald Trump, congratulated McIlroy for finally winning the Green Jacket.

Justin Rose also got a lot of love, despite losing the 2025 Masters Tournament. The Englishman shared a post on Instagram stating “I gave it everything….” while also congratulating McIlroy. Justin Timberlake dropped by in the comments saying, “10 birdies on a Sunday at Augusta?! And… ALL CLASS! You are a champion to all of us, BRUVS!!!” The two seem to be quite good friends, considering how they have played golf together in the past and the kind of comment Timberlake posted. NFL GOAT Tom Brady also shared a message that said “Tremendous! Well done!”, while Tennis legend, Rafael Nadal emoted with “👏👏👏.” Seems like Rose is quite a popular figure around the world.

Were you one of the few who also had picked Justin Rose over Rory McIlroy before the final round of the 2025 Masters Tournament? Let us know in the comments section.