Sometimes rumors or misunderstandings can fly as swiftly as a golf ball on the greens! One piece of such misunderstanding suggests that English golfer Justin Rose is tied up in a love match with Kate Phillips, the talented actress who charmed audiences with her roles in Downton Abbey. But is this pairing a hole-in-one or a bogey? 

As it turns out, Justin Rose is indeed married to Kate Phillips, but not the actress from Downton Abbey. So, who is he married to? Kate Phillips Rose, the golfer’s wife, is a former professional international gymnast. She is a graduate of the University of Sussex. The pair first met in 2000, when Kate worked at IMG, the firm that represented Rose. She traveled to tournaments for her work, and the 43-year-old was just playing in those events. Their relationship blossomed eventually. 

The couple eventually tied the knot in December 2006 and are now proud parents to two children, Leo and Lottie. But that’s not all! Kate has also found a new passion for giving back. In 2009, she and the 2013 U.S. Open winner set up the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation, which aims to make a difference in the lives of needy children. 

Their foundation mainly focuses on fighting childhood hunger in the Orlando area and providing education and experiences to impoverished children. The Foundation’s efforts were recognized in 2021 when an 11x PGA Tour champ received the Payne Stewart Award on behalf of the Foundation. This prestigious award honors individuals who demonstrate “character, sportsmanship, and commitment to charitable giving.”

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan praised the couple’s philanthropic work, saying, “The inspiring progress that he and Kate have made through their family’s foundation is a terrific representation of how Payne chose to focus his efforts away from the golf course by giving back and treating people the right way.” While the couple’s philanthropic work is admirable, her interests and pursuits extend far beyond the golf course. Let’s delve into some of her other ventures and passions.

Kate Philips Rose’s other pursuits beyond golf

Kate Phillips Rose also co-founded the Rose Ladies Series with her husband in 2020, a women’s golf tournament. The couple donated £35,000 to sponsor the events. The series grew from 8 to 11 events in 2021. In 2022, they launched the Rose Ladies Open, a tournament dedicated to promoting and growing the women’s game. The inaugural event was held at Brocket Hall, which has remained the tournament’s host venue since its inception. 

Additionally, she also has a love for horse racing and owns her own racehorse, named ‘Master Merion’. Interestingly, the horse’s name is a reference to Rose’s 2013 US Open victory venue, but he humorously claims that the horse’s name had nothing to do with him.

So, how did the rumor about Justin Rose being married to the Downton Abbey actress get started? It’s likely due to a classic case of mistaken identity, fueled by the shared name and a lack of information about the real Kate Phillips.

Did you too mistakenly believe the actress Kate Phillips was Justin Rose’s wife? Share your reactions to learning about the real Kate Phillips Rose and how she’s making a difference in golf and beyond.