Masters runner-up reactions vary, depending on the green jacket winner
While the Masters always has one winner, there are a variety of reactions from how the players respond to nearly getting the green jacket.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — On Sunday night, when the latest Masters Tournament champion is crowned, there will be a runner-up – or more than one – left to explain their feelings about why they weren’t the player slipping on the green jacket. Over the years, there have been numerous explanations by those who came up short that can be filed into various categories.
More: Masters leaderboard, scores, pairings, stories, videos Here are some of them: Wish I'd won but glad (insert winner) prevailed Justin Rose (2025), after losing a playoff to Rory McIlroy, who won to complete the career Grand Slam: “This is a historic moment in golf, isn't it, someone who achieves the career Grand Slam. I just said it was pretty cool to be able to share that moment with him. Obviously I wanted to be the bad guy today, but still, it's a momentous occasion for the game of golf.
” I’m young and it was a good learning experience Ludvig Aberg (2024), runner-up at age 24: “First of all, playing here at Augusta National is a dream come true. Just to be in this situation and feel the nerves and feel the pressure walking down the last couple holes is what you dream of. This is what I have been wanting to do for such a long time, and it's quite surreal to actually have the opportunity to experience it.
But I'm so proud of me, myself and all of the people on my team and my family and everyone involved. ” I'm young and I know I can win it now Will Zalatoris (2021), runner-up at age 24: “I can play with the best players in the world. I felt like I played well this week, but I felt like I left a lot out there.