Justin Rose back in Masters contention — maybe now he can shed that baggage

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Sure, Justin Rose carries his share of baggage with him when he drives down Magnolia Lane each year — now 21 years into this Masters journey.

And yes, that baggage got considerably heavier after last year’s loss to Rory McIlroy in a playoff.

Because it was his third runner-up finish at the Masters (second in a playoff).

And because he’s 45 years old with the window of opportunity to win a green jacket slowly closing.