Rose ends drought with Pebble title

Justin Rose had a different set of goals at the start of the year. His back was starting to become bothersome. His world ranking sank to its lowest point in 13 years. And he had reason to wonder if he would spend the first full week in April somewhere other than Augusta National. All that changed Monday morning when Rose capped off a long week at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am with three quick birdies and four steady pars that gave him a three-shot victory, his first in four years. Along with the crystal trophy — his 11th on the PGA Tour, 23rd worldwide — and the $1.62 million prize comes an invitation to the Masters. Rose, who won the U.S. Open in 2013, has been eligible for every major dating to St. Andrews in 2010, a streak he didn’t want to end. “Augusta’s definitely been a big part of being on my mind,” Rose said after closing with a 6-under 66 in cool but pristine conditions at Pebble Beach. The wind-delayed tournament forced a Monday finish. The 42-yearold Brit finished three shots clear of Brendon Todd (65) and Brandon Wu (66).