Mark "Fooch" Fulcher exclusive interview: “I believed until the 17th hole that Justin Rose could have won The Masters”

Speaking to influential figures ahead of major sporting events is part of Press Box PR’s expertise, and ahead of this month’s PGA Championship, the second major in the golf calendar, we caught up with Justin Rose’s caddie, Mark ‘Fooch’ Fulcher.

In an in-depth interview with sports PR agency, Press Box PR, Fulcher reflects on the disappointment of seeing Rose falling just short of claiming a Green Jacket at The Masters last month.

Fulcher also reveals more on the early stages of Rose’s new investment with McLaren Golf and how the pair are preparing for the PGA Championship.

How is Justin Rose at the moment and your reflections on the Masters, a case of so near and yet so far yet again?

“Last year, the play-off seemed somewhat of a bonus.

“Rory [McIlroy] had made the bogey at the last. Justin got into the playoff almost through the back door. Even though he did make 10 birdies and played unbelievably on that Sunday, it felt a little bit of a gift.

“Losing the playoff was as disappointing as it was for a second time. It was nowhere near as disappointing as this year. This year Rosie had played very, very well all week and had taken the lead at the ninth.

“Standing in the middle of the 11th hole fairway, it was in our control and I think that's what has made this a little more disappointing.

“The Masters is a tournament that he clearly has a deep feeling for and would like to win. He’s been runner-up and twice lost a playoff. But he has a unique ability of being able to put these things into the past and take the positives out of it.

“I call it a superpower that only some golfers possess. The great ones have it, and I'm really never sure quite why they have got it, or how they got it.

“One of his superpowers is the ability to take out real positive things of a situation that many a player, many a person, many a character, could have taken the negative and feel crushed.

“He has been runner-up in five majors. As a player, after two or three of those, you could have started thinking you were doomed never to win another one.

“But I think the fact that he's remained competitive in those major championships is testament to his character.

“I truly believe he's going to have his moment and win another major. Whichever one it is, who really cares, because he deserves one more.

“After this year’s Masters, I've already seen signs of him being able to do that again, use that superpower to accentuate the positives, which is quite remarkable.

“We’re already looking forward to the next three opportunities this year.”

How does the dynamic between golf and caddie on that backstretch work out? What's your role?

“That's when the experience between the two of you helps, that you've been there before, whether it is the back nine of a major championship or a regular tournament or Ryder Cup.

“You're just trying to make the right decisions at the right time, Rosie's course management, and mine as well as a team with him, is pretty solid.

“Amen Corner, at the 11th hole, you're playing somewhat defensively, but also trying not to be too defensive.

“In that situation, there's a lot of luck. I felt like we did a lot of things right, and a couple of things wrong, and, unfortunately, you pay a price for that.”

What was the wrong decision that probably influenced that outcome?

“There’s the wind and at the 11th we hit it slightly too long, and it went right.

“Had that ball been three yards left, it would have been on the green and two putts.

“You've got to remember golf is an outdoor sport. The wind is what it is. What makes golf such a special sport is that it is not restricted by real boundaries.

“A tennis court has its boundaries, a snooker table does, a football pitch does. Obviously, golf has it, but they're far wider and they're far more influential; the wind and the rain and the firmness of the turf.

“So, it just makes it an endless challenge, and obviously, at that level, at that time, you're playing against the best golfers in the world too. So, they're making good decisions and bad decisions as well.”

When was the moment that you felt we've lost this?

“Actually, only when he missed the short putt at 17. 17 is one of the hardest holes on the golf course.

“It's a very tricky tee shot, which can deliver some cruel bounces; but we actually had a good bounce on that day, it came out of the trees, he just narrowly missed his second shot, and missed the short putt.

“It wasn't until then, you're walking onto the 18th tee, two shots behind, and you know you're not going to hole the second shot. It's just not going to happen.

“We were right in the tournament until the short putt at 17, for sure.”

The way he takes defeat is remarkable. What does that say about the man? You would know him better than many people.

“It says a lot about his character, but I think it also says a lot about his upbringing.

“His mother and his late father, Ken, instilled in him manners and courtesy, and being a good sport.

“That upbringing is quite clearly a very important part of being a parent.

“His late father did an exceptional job with that, and I think it's just produced the person that we witness now. Rosie is a person who is a very exciting winner, and when he wins, he enjoys it, but he's also a better person who doesn't win.

“His acceptance and his enjoyment of somebody else's performance is something that is part of his upbringing.”

It says a lot that Rory said after Augusta that he wanted to use Justin as a blueprint to build his career going over the next 10 years or so.

“I think both Justin and Adam Scott are a great example of what you can do in sport.

“At 45, coming up to 46 physically they've looked after themselves immaculately, mentally, they're still driven by this beautiful game and they clearly feel they want to compete.

“You've obviously got examples of that in Steve Stricker, who did incredibly well towards his middle and end of his career. Vijay Singh won the vast majority of tournaments in his 40s, and then you've got the finest of all, which is Phil Mickelson winning at 51.

“When you look at Rosie and Adam, their career paths are so remarkably similar. It is remarkable.

“When you look at those two and what they've been able to do, it's completely understandable that somebody of Rory's age, in his mid-30s, can look at them and think, ‘If they can do it, I certainly can as well.’”

The PGA Championship is the next major. Can you give us an insight into how Justin is preparing and his mindset at the moment for Aronimink?

“Rosie has played at Aronimink twice. He won the AT&T National there in 2010.

“He also lost in a playoff to Keegan Bradley there a few years ago. So his course form, as we would say, is quite good. As far as preparation is concerned, he took Hilton Head off to go home with the family and then have an extra week off.

“There has also been the launch of the McLaren golf clubs.

“I went up there to Aronimink for one day, a couple of weeks ago, just to get a feel for the place, just to see the changes that Gil Hanse the architect had made. I've spoken to Gil, a little bit about it. He is a friend of mine and Rosie’s.

“A lot of trees have been removed and the course lengthened.

“The golf course is a classic. I think Donald Ross, the designer, has got an inscription on the first tee saying it wasn't until he came back and looked at the course that he realised how great the course was. It is certainly a masterpiece.

“The PGA doesn't want a U.S. Open. They don't want six inch rough and impossible pins. They want the best player to win with the best possible score. So, I'm not sure the rough is going to be all that thick. Obviously, it would be fantastic if it was firm and we haven't had much rain in the northeast recently.

“There are only two things that can defend golf courses now, even if you make them 8,000 yards long. The only two things are wind and firm greens and that's it. That’s because these guys are so good nowadays. They are fantastic athletes.”

Who is your idea of a winner then, if not Justin of course?

“The golf course set is set up for one of the most impressive young players. I've seen for a while, Ludvig Aberg. I see him coming into form.

“If I had to caddie for somebody else in the entire field next week, and no disrespect to players like Scottie and Rory, Ludvig would be my choice.

“He's a lovely chap, a great iron player. He's going to be world number one inevitably. He’s really, really top class, despite him being a Liverpool fan!”

What are Rose's expectations and his thought process as he approaches the tournament?

“He’s playing in about his 85th Major and he’s finished in the top ten in at least 20 of them. That is some record.

“Three week’s break is an ideal time for him, especially with the new equipment. The result last week in Miami had no bearing on anything.

“The last week was about coming back, getting the equipment as close as we could, getting his eye back after two weeks.

“We're very fortunate that we have these signature events now, which offer no cuts, which gives us four rounds each in two tournaments before the PGA.

“That's not saying we didn’t want to be competitive; but obviously Rosie's target is to try and get to Sunday afternoon at Aronimink with a chance to win.

“That then would be the same for the US Open, and it would be the same for The Open at Royal Birkdale.”

You've touched upon the new clubs. How have they gone? It’s a unique collaboration. What's his initial feeling of them?

“It's been very, very exciting because we've known about it for a while.

“McLaren have looked to branch out. Their product speaks for itself. They build Formula 1 motor racing cars, for which the technology is simply incredible, and they're obviously winners.

“They came to the conclusion that they'd like to enter the golf market.

“The irons and the production have taken a long time to get where they wanted to get, and it's only going to get better.

“This has been greatly thought out, not only by Justin, but by a lot of other investors, including Ian Poulter and Michelle Wie.

“They've all invested in it, and McLaren have come back with a fantastic product I'm really excited about. I can't wait to get hold of a set myself, to be honest. I am a rubbish golfer but they’d get me back on the range and playing!”

How long has it been in development for?

“I do know a huge amount of research has gone into this thing. The technology behind these McLaren clubs is second to none. So, I just see the excitement in Rosie using them.

“We’ve seen a lot of balls hit over the last couple of weeks. I'm the guy who's supposedly going to help him with club selection; and if I’m feeling confident that they must be okay!

“There's nothing worse than an equipment change, especially in the middle of a season facing the prospect of three majors. But I am very happy and confident with them.”

How long does it take a golfer to adapt to a new equipment?

“Rosie is very keen on the tiniest element so it might take him a little bit longer to get used to them.

“Whereas when I worked in my earlier days with Laura Davies, she would get a new set of clubs delivered by Maruman at the time, a Japanese manufacturer. She'd put them in the bag and say, ‘Oh, they're fantastic’ and didn’t even test them!

“Laura would then go out and win a tournament the next week and they were fantastic.

“Each player varies. Rosie is not going to stop until they're absolutely perfect and I think we're getting very close to that.”

At 45, Justin is still at the peak of his powers. Could you compare him with the very best in other sports like Cristiano Ronaldo or LeBron James for example?

“I think you absolutely can. I think not only with the commitment and investment he puts in himself, with the bus that he's installed, the recovery bus that he takes with him everywhere, the team that invests around him.

“Golf is expensive now. You have a caddie, a coach, a putting coach, a short game coach, people on the mental side, then you get the physio and they're all incredible.

“He’s managed to put a really top team together. It's expensive, but interestingly, ever since I've known him, and we’re probably into our 16th or 17th year of knowing each other, he's always wanted to invest in himself.

“He’s never tried to cut a corner for monetary reasons.

“He’s in a position now where he's done very well, but these were in days when he didn’t have that big financial security that he has now, but he was still prepared to take that chance and it's obviously paid off for him. That just shows the commitment and belief in himself that he was prepared to make.

“He always looked at it as an investment, as opposed to a cost. Other golfers will look at caddies, physios, the private jet as a cost.

“Rosie still perceives that as an investment and I think that's another piece of wisdom that he's picked up and others could follow.”

You've mentioned who your top pick is for the PGA Championship, but who else might figure in the shakeup?

“Cameron Young has developed into a top three or top five golfer. We witnessed him winning at the Wyndham last year.

Then we witnessed how beautifully he played on the Sunday to beat us one up in the Ryder Cup. He holed that 10 footer on the last to win the match.

“It's come as no surprise to me and many of us to see his development.

“Cam could win any said week. It's interesting to see that Scottie Sheffler took last week off considering he won there last year, so clearly he's going to be well prepared for it as well.

“I think it's going to be an exceptional tournament. We've got Jon Rahm playing, Dustin Johnson has been given a special invitation.

“This is arguably the strongest field in golf. I think it's going to be one of the best tournaments ever and I think Aronimink is going to allow for that.”

What are the particular features of the course that you would highlight?

“The last three holes; the 16th, which is a par 5, which is going to open up the eagle opportunity. You've got 17, which has got a bit of water, which is a long and intimidating par 3, and then they've extended the 18th by another 40 yards, so there's just a monster par 4 going up the hill.

“We're going to have a great Sunday. Hopefully, Rosie and I will be right amongst it. If not, we’ll enjoy watching it.”

Tell us more about the recovery bus?

“It’s like a big RV. He ripped everything out. He’s put red light therapy in there, a sauna, an ice bath and areas where he can get treatment.

“Basically, he just leaves the course and goes back there religiously to make himself feel better every day and again, it wasn't cheap.

“He has a guy who follows us and drives it around every week wherever Justin is playing for his recovery. It’s as important as anything, when you get to this level of sport.

“When you're a football player, rugby or tennis or whatever, recovery is probably number one and certainly, when you get to the age group that Rosie is in, although he’s super fit, recovery is vital.

“Our routine before the tournament is that we always try and finish early on a Wednesday which means then he can get some work done, and he can get out of there early and head to the recovery bus, and maybe get a nap in the afternoon, and just try to get physically right for Thursday morning.”

In terms of the three majors coming up, which one do you think Justin might be best suited to and have the best chance in?

“Statistically, it looks like Aronimink because of his record there.

I'm hoping Shinnecock Hills, where the US Open is being held, will be incredibly firm and where the greens will be tough. That would be my choice of the three.

“But my heart would say there'd be nothing better than to get to Birkdale in peak form. Clearly, Justin can play links courses as we witnessed at Troon a couple of years ago.

“My head says the best place for him will be Shinnecock, my heart says let's make it Birkdale.”

More generally can you see Rose when he does finally give up, being a Ryder Cup captain?

“100%. I think it would be his choice as and when. He’s in that privileged position, but it’s a well-earned position. He’s a Ryder Cup legend.

“It’ll be interesting how, with the LIV situation, if that was to change the perspective on the players from LIV.

“The European tour lost four or five certain captains to LIV from the Ryder Cup teams. People like Martin Kaymer, obviously Ian Poulter speaks for himself, Graeme McDowell, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson.

“The list of potential captains is endless on LIV. Whether that would ever happen, I doubt it. I think they probably burnt their bridges as far as being the captaincy role.

“I'm pretty sure that Rosie would love to be captain. He was obviously considered for Ireland, but it was not a consideration for him, because he wants to play.”

How long is he going to keep going, do you think?

“That's a very interesting question. I would certainly say 50 is well within his reach. He's really enjoying the game. He's really enjoying the challenge. He has this belief that he's getting better, and I can only speak for what I see.

“Obviously, consistency is more difficult than ever before. Things have changed for him from family life to age, to physical wellbeing.

“But his best golf is as good as I've ever seen. He won't rest until he wins another major championship. I'd love to see him do it, and I'm pretty confident he will do it.”

Looking at football, Justin is a Chelsea supporter. What does football mean to him?

“A lot! He was originally an Aston Villa fan, then he flipped over to Fulham and then Chelsea!

“Leo, his 17 year-old son, is a very good footballer. He is almost certain to get a D1, Division 1 university, football scholarship in the United States.

“He plays for Slough Town at the moment. His passion would be to go and play D1 football in the States.

“In England, if you're any good at football, you're going straight at a young age into an academy.

“I think we're going to find maybe in a decade’s time there's going to be a route through US colleges now where we're going to get some later developing players who go over there and learn how to look after themselves physically, mentally and then maybe they’ll come back into the European game, the English game, at a slightly older age.

“That seems to be the way it works in some American sports.

“In the last two decades golf has started to attract better athletes, better quality athletes. In the United States there's obviously the big three sports, and four if you include hockey.

“But I think some of the top athletes now are looking at golf and realising it’s a great game, it’s exciting and there is lots of money to be made.

“So it's attracting better athletes. That's why and how people hit it further.

“Leo is a huge Chelsea fan, hence that is why Rosie is! Justin is mates with John Terry and a couple of the Chelsea boys.

“I'd say that he was a genuine Chelsea fan now! I'll give him that. He goes to games and he watches them regularly.”

What does he think about Chelsea's current plight?

“I think he just thinks it’s laughable when billions of pounds have been spent yet the whole organisation seems in disarray and nobody knows what's going on with a team like Chelsea.

“The amount of cash being thrown now at football clubs is ludicrous.”

Would Justin like to see John Terry in charge at Stamford Bridge?

“I don't think he really cares to be honest. They're just good mates, they play golf on occasion together. They catch up at Queenwood. There's a strong affiliation between football players and golfers.

“They seem to get on very well. It’s a great meeting of the minds when they get together.

With regard to the McLaren tie up, is Justin a big F1 fan?

“He's become more so. He has known Zak Brown for quite a long time. I would say McLaren have always been his team, so it's been a great thing for him that there’s the affiliation with his clubs.

“He and Lando communicate a lot. They're good friends. Lando's obsession is golf other than F1.

“He really enjoys it. I think he's enjoyed his trips to the Grand Prix. He's a definite fan and he's a definite fan of McLaren.

Talking about great golfers, talk us through your thoughts on Rory?

“The only really surprising thing about Rory is that it took him so long to achieve the career slam. Without question, he's the single most talented golfer since Tiger Woods.

“If everybody tees it up and everybody plays their best, in my opinion, Rory McIlroy wins.

“I've got to know him quite well. Can I say he's a friend? Probably a friend. He’s always been very kind to me. He is just such a quality individual.

“He's an Irishman who is honest, speaks his mind and is a really great guy.

“It was a real privilege for me last year at the Masters, on the 18th green to be the second man to congratulate someone that had completed the career slam. It was quite remarkable for me, a lad from Bedford.”

Is he the greatest European of all time?

“Yes, he’s got to be. Nick [Faldo], six majors, Seve [Ballesteros] won five. The fact that he's won the career slam puts him head and shoulders above anyone else.

“If you've won all four majors, that puts you onto a super level. He's a genuine superstar, an all time great golfer now.

“He deserves his number one status and has to be the best European golfer of all time.”

How many majors do you think he could get to?

“He could get as many as he really wants. I’ve seen a re-dedication for Rory. We're going to see him play less golf and model himself more on what Tiger Woods did. That means playing less.

“But to be more specific and focus on the big tournaments. I would say he'll get to double figures without question.”

Does he deserve a knighthood?

“I think my boy Justin deserves a knighthood! But inevitably, we will be seeing Sir Roy McIlroy soon. A career slam champion and Ryder Cup star. He has to be and sooner rather than later. He fully deserves it.”

If you were Scottie Scheffler's caddie, would you be concerned about the pressure he puts on his ankle with his swing and all the stress he puts on himself?

“No, because I wouldn't be, because as a team they know that. They have people behind the scenes who are taking a look at that and I'm sure they are taking precautions for potentially what could happen in that department.

“Quite clearly, he's a spectacular golfer. I put him just slightly behind Rory but he’s an unbelievable talent and he just keeps producing great golf and obviously Ted Scott, who's his caddie is, without question, one of the best caddies there’s ever been in modern professional golf.

“You can just see the presence he had with Bubba Watson, and now the presence he has with Scottie.

“I think there's a close analogy between caddies and jockeys. You're only as good or as fast as your horse is. But a good jockey can make a difference; so can a good caddie to get someone over the line.”

Any advice for Bob MacIntyre?

“I don't think I need to give Bob any advice. I love Bob. I think he's his own man. He says what he thinks. I think he learns from what he says.

“I think he's learned greatly from The Masters. He’s a great lad. He's a confident lad. He's surrounded by some really good people as well, and I'm sure what happened at Augusta would have come up in their discussions about what's the best things to say, and what not to say.
“He'll just kick on. He is an absolute stonewall certainty major champion. I can't see any reason why he won't be.”

One player who is coming back to form in spectacular fashion is Matt Fitzpatrick. What can you put that down to?

“There are several reasons. I think Mark Blackburn, his coach, has done a great job with him. Since Mark's taken over, he’s clearly had an influence on his technique.

“Dan Parratt, who caddies for him now is one of the very best.

“He’s in his 30s. He’s very good at dealing with Matt. Matt is still a young man and I think the relationship he has with Dan is more relatable somewhat than maybe it was with Billy Foster.

“I’m 61. Would I be able to relate to a 25 or 30 year-old? Maybe, maybe not.

“Matt has got married, his wife is fantastic. He is settled, and all that little bit of security, surrounded by a great family has helped him.”

What are your thoughts on what is happening at LIV?

“My initial thoughts were that it's over. But clearly, behind the scenes, there are some people who are clearly good at their job. It looks like the CEO Scott O’Neil is a very impressive character. It wouldn't shock me if LIV stays in some form but obviously with greatly reduced purses.

“We've seen the end of the big money now. Inevitably we'll see a return of the big names like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. I’m sure both would like to come back.

“People mention Cam Smith, but I wouldn't say he’d bring a great deal now. Cam is very happy with his life. He prefers fishing more than playing golf and he's made enough money.”

What about Shane Lowry? Is he a nearly man?

“I think the fact that you've won one major means you are not a nearly man!

“You're a major champion. I think he can win what he likes. I do believe Shane could certainly win a Masters and I told him so after this year’s event.

“He's fearless. Shane has already won an Open. I think big and great things lie ahead for him.”

Do you think the R&A had missed a trick by not awarding the 2028 Open to Turnberry?

“I do. But I can understand the thinking. I'm a huge fan of Royal Lytham. But Turnberry is my very favourite golf course. It’s a wonderful golf course.

“There are two reasons behind it. One is the political side of Trump being President and the possibility of demonstrations. But there is the other side to it, that the simple reality is that Turnberry is the least financially productive venue on the rota.

“It gets the smallest crowds. It always has. It's hard to sell in the south west of Scotland. It's difficult to get to. It’s very easy to look at it as a snub for Trump.

“But I think it's just a financial thing and a logistical thing. Obviously, the R&A want to see The Open with big crowds and want to make money. I just don't think they can afford a Turnberry Open.”

Who is the best footballing golfer?

“Gareth Bale by far is the number one golfer from another sport. From tennis, Tim Henman is very good. I bumped into Tim recently in Miami. He was doing some commentary and his love for the game is fantastic.

“Andriy Shevchenko is a very very good player too but I think Gareth is the one. I mean, the man apparently has built a replica of the par-3 12th hole at Augusta in his back garden in Wales.”

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