Justin Rose started Sunday's final round three shots behind the leader and, for one luminous stretch of nine holes, looked like a man who had finally outrun his Augusta demons. The 45-year-old Englishman shot 32 on the front nine to reach 12-under par, grabbing a two-shot lead at the turn. [1]

Then came Amen Corner, which has a particular talent for returning borrowed dreams.

At the 11th, Rose missed a 15-footer for par. Bogey. At the 12th — the shortest and most psychologically violent hole in major championship golf — he flew the green, found a pine cone resting near his ball, and hit a hook-chip that left him scrambling. Bogey. At the par-five 13th, where birdies are expected, he three-putted for par. [1]

Three holes. Four shots surrendered. The two-shot lead became a two-shot deficit.

Rose rallied with a birdie at the 15th, but a missed three-footer at the 17th sealed it. He signed for a 70, finishing tied for third at 10-under while Rory McIlroy claimed his second consecutive green jacket. [2]

It was Rose's third runner-up finish at the Masters — a tournament that has given him everything except the thing he wants most. "Just a chance that got away," he said afterward, with the controlled understatement of a man who has learned how to lose at Augusta without breaking. [1]

He is 45. The chances that get away do not always come back.

-- AMARA OKONKWO, Lagos