Former U.S. Open champion Rose scorched the back nine en route to a six-under-par 66 that was the joint low round of the day but the 44-year-old Englishman went on to miss a 15-foot birdie putt that would have extended the play-off.

"You can't skip through a career without a little bit of heartache," said Rose, who was bidding to join Nick Faldo and Danny Willett as Masters winners from England.

"It's not going to happen. If you're willing to lift the big championships, you've to put yourself on the line. You have to risk feeling this way to get the reverse."

Bryson DeChambeau, who began the day in second place and two shots back of McIlroy, dropped into a share of fifth place after a closing three-over-par 75 left him at seven under on the week and four shots off the lead.

"There's a lot to take away from this week, a lot to learn, a lot to be proud of, a lot to be pissed about," said DeChambeau, who held the outright lead after two holes. "But I learned a lot, and I'm ready to take the challenge on again."

Former champion Patrick Reed was alone in third, two shots off the lead while Scottie Scheffler, who was bidding to become only the fourth player to repeat as Masters champion, finished a further shot back in fourth.

"Overall I wouldn't say I had my best stuff, but I fought really hard all week," said Scheffler.

"This was the best I was mentally all year. I think my game just wasn't there."

Reuters

1d:T6a4,'LOT TO LEARN' It marked more Masters heartbreak for Rose, who lost in a 2017 playoff to Sergio Garcia and has now finished runner-up three times at Augusta National. Former U.S. Open champion Rose scorched the back nine en route to a six-under-par 66 that was the joint low round of the day

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