Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Justin Rose wins pro event as Gareth Bale finishes in top 20 of amateurs

Justin Rose shot rounds of 69, 69, 65 and 66 to win the title

Justin Rose secured his first PGA Tour win in four years with victory in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California.

England's Rose, 42, completed the final nine holes on Monday to finish on 18 under and win by three strokes, also ensuring qualification for this year's Masters at Augusta.

The final round had been suspended on Sunday because of darkness.

Former Wales footballer Gareth Bale finished in joint-16th place in the amateur competition.

"I feel like I have been fortunate enough to win at some great venues, but Pebble's right up there," said 2013 US Open champion Rose.

"Obviously when you're a bit starved for a win as well, the fact that it came today on a weather day like we had and at a venue that we had today was just worth waiting for."

It was Rose's 11th PGA Tour victory, but his first since the 2019 Farmers Insurance Open.

The win also likely guarantees him a spot in Europe's Ryder Cup team for this year's event in Rome in September.

The former world number one said it was a "big relief" to have already secured qualification for the Masters, which is held from 6-9 April.

"Augusta's definitely been a big part of being on my mind," added Rose.

"I thought the simple way to approach it was try to play my way into the top 50 in the world by whenever the date is. Some time in March.

"I knew that making some points was going to do me good. That was my intention, to come out and play solid and earn some points and claw my way up the world rankings and make it that way.

"Obviously this is a better way to make it by winning a tournament. It's a big relief from that point of view to be able to plan a little bit more of the run into Augusta now."

Rose led by two shots on 15 under when the pro event resumed on Monday and hit three more birdies to card a six-under round of 66.

Americans Brendon Todd and Brandon Wu finished joint second, three strokes behind.

"Time flies by, doesn't it? It's amazing how long it has been," Rose told CBS immediately after securing victory.

"This is just a moment to say thanks to the people that believe in me more than probably I do.

"My team have been incredible, obviously my family at home. And to my squad, there's been lots of people who have rallied around me, and I've just had an unbelievable week."

Bale impresses in amateur event

Bale was one of the 156 amateurs in the field along with the likes of actor Bill Murray, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and rapper Macklemore

Earlier, the amateur competition was shortened to 54 holes because of strong winds in California.

Ex-Wales football captain Bale and American playing partner Joseph Bramlett ended on 16 under.

NFL great Aaron Rodgers finished top of the amateur leaderboard on 26 under with Canadian pro Ben Silverman.

Despite his competition being curtailed, Bale - who retired from football shortly after leading Wales at last year's World Cup finals in Qatar - loved the experience.

"The last couple of weeks have been amazing," said the former Real Madrid forward, who plays off a two handicap.

"People giving me compliments on my game is incredible, they have put a bit too much pressure on my shoulders!

"I am a big golf fan and appreciate what these players do on the golf course. It is great to play with them, interact and watch what they do.

"Just watching him [Bramlett] strike a ball is something else. The power, the touch. He has been incredible and he is an even better guy, which is more important. I couldn't have asked for a better partner."

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