Two of golf's biggest stars are at odds over Augusta. In a debate about preparing for the Masters, Justin Rose and Brooks Koepka can't seem to agree on early scouting trips.

This debate emerged at the press conferences of the 2026 PLAYERS Championship on March 10, when both asked about his upcoming trip to Augusta National.

Justin Rose's position is contrary to Brooks Koepka's value of early visits to Augusta. "My feeling is I like to go just to go. Why wouldn't you?" said Rose.

Rose stated that while he appreciates the trips, they have become "more for fun than necessity". That being said, he also looks for the nuanced changes August always seems to make.

"I think there's always a green or two that they tend to renew or refresh or rebuild. So you just often are looking for slight, subtle, nuanced changes to those greens," said the golfer.

Menwhile Koepka continues to maintain his doubts about the information compiled during these preliminary trips.

"I don't know, it sometimes plays so differently when you go out there early," said Koepka.

Rose and Koepka Tackle Past Demons at TPC Sawgrass

The 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass remains a mental block for many. Koepka joked that the island green is his "one bugaboo," after he carded an 8 and a 7 at the hole. 

"I hit the green yesterday, so I was pretty pumped about that," Koepka said. His friends "bust my chops about it," but he said it does not haunt him. 

Justin Rose, when it was pointed out that Koepka was getting high scores, attributed his "survival instincts" to his longevity. Rose said that he has learned not to "dwell too much on past mistakes." 

Rose pointed out the cut line from last year and the hit on the water, which demonstrates the design's "feast or famine" mentality. Both champions agree that respect is mandatory.

That being said, whose side are you on about the early acuting at Augusta National? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi