How do you define your golf philosophy?
I follow the Japanese principle of "kaizen,” with a goal of constantly improve day in and day out. It's not always about the score or the result for me. Of course I want to win, but I'm even more interested in getting better in some form every time I go out there. It's about how much I can achieve personally by setting goals and improving on all aspects of attitude and performance. It’s not all about stats. I will think more about my numbers when I look back in 10 or 15 years. It's more about taking good results out of each experience on the course on daily basis.
Who is your mentor?
Nick Price for sure. He personifies that nice guy image and striking a balance between that, family and winning. That's not always easy to do but it's something I always strive to do, especially now my wife Kate and our son, Leo, and daughter, Charlotte.
Do you have a favorite charity?
"Blessings in a Backpack" is the charity of choice for my wife and I. Feeding kids so important. If a youngster doesn't have proper nutrition, how can he perform at school? It would be the same as me trying to play golf at a high level without eating right. We have to be conscious that so many youngsters don't have a proper meal from the time they leave school on Friday afternoon until they return Monday morning. We're raising money here in Orlando where we live for this cause in every way we can. It costs about $80 a feed a youngster every weekend for an entire school year. My wife and I are very passionate about this cause. We have a fundraiser every year. And I personally give $80 for every birdie I record on the Tour. This is such an important cause.
As a pro golfer, how focused are you on nutrition?
Nutrition and lifestyle definitely are important to me. I’m not particularly focused only on a high-protein approach. It is more about regulating blood sugar levels to stay on an even keel and maintain focus. The key for me is to avoid the highs and lows that come with too much sugar intake. So actually, the kids and I have much in common on that front.
What has changed most about golf during your career?
There’s definitely an increased street cred. The rising young core of players for sure has helped the game grow and will continue to bring in new fans and generate fresh interest. Rickie Fowler is the perfect example for this new generation. He has a combination of style, flair and charisma. Golf definitely has an increasing "cool" factor these days.
How has being married to a former athlete helped your career?
For sure it has. Kate was an accomplished gymnast as a teenager and knows all about sacrificing for your sport and all the physical work you have to dedicate to be great. Of course, her career happened when she was much younger. But the theory of conditioning, balance and dedication are essentially the same for both of us. And that helps her understand what I’m dealing with a pro athlete.
What’s your favorite aspect about life as a pro golfer?
Without a doubt, it is the fact that I'm living my dream. I appreciate that the game is hard and can beat you up. But when you are 12 years old and dreaming of becoming a professional someday, it is very satisfying to achieved that. I also like that so many professional athletes in other sports turn to golf for recreation. There's a low risk of injury and it is a sport everyone can play. And of course competition is always fierce as everyone does their best against each other and the course.
What has golf taught you about life?
What I've learned time and again—what I'm sure every athlete who plays has learned—is how the vagaries of the game can turn against you. But just as quickly—with the right blend of rhythm and concentration—it can turn back in your favor in a hurry. Life itself is very much like that too. There definitely are lessons for all of us in relation to golf. Perseverance, dedication and tenacity will pay off!
To read more about Justin Rose’s favorite charity, visit blessingsinabackpack.org.
