Getty
Justin Rose and his caddie Mark “Fooch” Fulcher stand on the first fairway during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
As Justin Rose makes a charge at Augusta National, one of the most important figures in his corner isn’t another player — it’s his longtime caddie, Mark “Fooch” Fulcher.
Fulcher has been part of some of the biggest moments of Rose’s career, and with Rose back in contention at the Masters, his role is once again front and center.
Here are five fast facts to know.
1. He’s Been on Rose’s Bag for Most of His Biggest Wins
GettyJustin Rose hands his club to caddie Mark “Fooch” Fulcher during the singles matches on the final day of the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
Fulcher first teamed up with Rose in 2008, beginning a long and successful run together.
During that stretch, Rose rose to world No. 1 and captured major titles, including the 2013 U.S. Open, with Fulcher on the bag.
2. Their Partnership Paused in 2019 Due to a Health Scare
In 2019, Fulcher stepped away after undergoing heart surgery to repair a mitral valve.
The procedure required a lengthy recovery and forced him off the bag, ending his initial run with Rose.
3. He Returned to Rose’s Bag in 2023
GettyJustin Rose and caddie Mark “Fooch” Fulcher walk together during the afternoon fourball matches at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, Italy.
After several years apart, Fulcher and Rose reunited in 2023, picking up their partnership again after more than a decade of shared history.
The reunion brought back one of the more established player-caddie pairings on Tour.
4. He Stayed Active With Other Top Players
During his time away from Rose, Fulcher continued working on Tour, caddying for players including:
- Francesco Molinari
- Paul Casey
- Billy Horschel
That experience kept him closely tied to the top level of the game.
5. “Fooch” Is One of the Most Trusted Voices in Rose’s Corner
Fulcher’s nickname — “Fooch” — is widely used across the PGA Tour, but his value goes far beyond familiarity.
Rose has emphasized the importance of trust and clarity between player and caddie, especially in major championships where every decision matters.
With Rose now in contention at Augusta, that partnership is once again being tested on golf’s biggest stage.
Why This Matters at the Masters
At Augusta National, a caddie’s role goes far beyond carrying the bag. Fulcher is responsible for dialing in precise yardages, factoring in elevation changes, and helping Rose navigate some of the course’s most complex greens — particularly on holes like Amen Corner, where even slight misreads can be costly.
With firm conditions and Sunday pressure at the Masters, those decisions become even more critical. Every club choice, every read, and every conversation matters. For a player like Rose, who relies on feel and experience, having a caddie he trusts completely can make the difference between contending and closing.
Augusta also demands patience and discipline, especially on Sunday. Fulcher plays a key role in helping Rose stay committed to a game plan, even when conditions shift or pressure builds. That steady voice — knowing when to be aggressive and when to stay conservative — is critical late in a major.
Maggie MacKenzie Maggie MacKenzie covers NASCAR for Heavy.com. She previously worked for NASCAR.com, where she reported, wrote, and edited race-weekend coverage and traveled to key events throughout the season. She has more than ten years of experience in sports media and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. More about Maggie MacKenzie
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