Justin Rose Reacts to Wife Kate Being Dubbed ‘Mystery Woman’ After Hugging Rory McIlroy During Masters Final

“You’re a part of all of the energy that’s going on in that moment. I think that’s what happens,” the golfer told reporters

Justin Rose laughed off the viral moment when his wife, Kate, became the “mystery woman” seen hugging Rory McIlroy after his 2025 Masters win.

Rose, 44, spoke to reporters on Wednesday, April 16 ahead of the RBC Heritage tournament, where the golfer was asked about a viral video showing his wife and McIlroy, 35, exchanging a meaningful hug after the Irish golfer’s victory.

When asked if he had discussed the moment with Kate afterwards, Rose said, “No, not really.” He added, “There was some article somewhere, like, ‘Who’s the mystery woman that was hugging Rory?’ It turned out to be Kate. That was pretty funny.”

From Left: Kate Rose and Rory McIlroy embrace at 2025 Masters Tournament. Chris Condon/Augusta National/Getty

The English golfer, who married his wife in 2006, explained why he didn’t think much of the hug between Kate and McIlroy and chalked it up to the magical atmosphere of the Masters. “Listen, I think the moment you realize what it means to everybody involved, you realize what it means to other families, what they must be feeling, you’re part of the moment,” said Rose.

“You’re a part of the story,” he continued. “You’re a part of all of the energy that’s going on in that moment. I think that’s what happens. You embrace that connection that you have with everybody and all that’s going on in the moment.”

Rose said he doesn’t know what Kate said to McIlroy after his win. “I don’t think that was discussion-worthy or anything, to be honest,” he told reporters.

In a follow-up question, Rose was asked if he can remember sharing a similar hug after a win. “I got a great hug from Tommy Fleetwood when I walked off 18 on Sunday,” he said. “Meant a lot. It’s not always about the result. It’s about how someone can make you feel or what they say and stuff like that.”

From LEft: Justin and Kate Rose at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. Ross Kinnaird/Getty

McIlroy defeated Rose at the Masters in a tight competition as they were both tied at 11-under par, and only needed one playoff hole to win, per USA Today. McIlroy finished with a final score of 1-over 73 before it went to the playoff.

The Irish golfer then finally beat Rose with a winning birdie, making him only the sixth golfer to complete the career Grand Slam — and the first person to achieve the feat in 25 years (after Tiger Woods in 2000).

After the win, McIlroy could be seen dropping to his knees while sobbing, before making his way toward the cheering crowds. He gave his wife, Erica Stoll, a hug and kiss, and then picked up his daughter, Poppy, for a tight hug as he began to cry again.