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Golf Monthly
Golf Monthly
Sport
Jonny Leighfield

Who Is Justin Rose’s Caddie?

Justin Rose and caddie Mark 'Fooch' Fulcher look on at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Justin Rose turned professional in 1998 and has gone on to enjoy a wonderful career that has included a US Open win in 2013, an Olympic golf gold medal in 2016, and a stint as World No.1 in 2018.

Along the way, the Englishman - who was born in South Africa - has enjoyed the company of several excellent caddies including Gareth Lord, David Clark, and Josh Cassell.

But the man who previously spent 11 years as Rose's looper has returned to one of the most recognizable partnerships anywhere on tour.

Between 2008 and 2019, Mark 'Fooch' Fulcher caddied for Rose as the Englishman went from strength to strength in his career, lifting nine PGA Tour titles, five DP World Tour trophies, and his sole Major at Merion.

Rose and Fulcher also worked together at five Ryder Cups during that time, too, including the Miracle of Medinah in 2012 when the 25-time pro winner beat Phil Mickelson in a pivotal singles match.

Justin Rose celebrates beating Phil Mickelson at the 2012 Ryder Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)

The pair would have no doubt continued into the 2020s, but Fulcher was advised to take an indefinite leave from caddying following heart surgery in 2019.

In a social media post at the time, Rose said: "After an amazing 11 years with Fooch, our successful run together has finished for now, as Fooch is required to take an indefinite leave of absence from caddying to focus on his health and well being after the heart procedure earlier this year.

"He has been medically advised that a further period of recuperation is required. I wish him all the best as he works on getting 100% fit and healthy. I also have no doubts that we will stride up a 72nd hole late on a Sunday afternoon together in the future."

Rose only triumphed once during the intervening period - winning the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - before Fulcher's health improved to a point where he felt he could return to the day job.

After Dame Laura Davies' former bagman enjoyed brief spells with Francesco Molinari, Paul Casey on LIV, and Billy Horschel, Fulcher reunited with his long-time friend ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone - an event at which Rose holed a crucial putt at the end of day one to maintain Team Europe's momentum.

Justin Rose with caddie Mark Fulcher at the 2023 Ryder Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)

Their first event back together on course was the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth earlier in September 2023, with Fulcher going on to join Rose and the rest of Team Europe in scouting missions at the Italian course.

Speaking to Today's Golfer about the move back ahead of the BMW PGA Championship, Rose said: "We were together for so long and had the appropriate amount of time apart as well, you know.

"We both had the opportunity to go and do different things, experience different things and learn, then come back together with the previous ten or eleven years done and dusted and with a new goal of seeing what else we can achieve.

Mark Fulcher (left) and Billy Horschel at the Presidents Cup in 2022 (Image credit: Getty Images)

"We’re not trying to rekindle anything or live up to what’s been in the past because we have new challenges and it should be fun.”

Meanwhile, Fulcher admitted it was an "easy decision to make" once Rose has suggested working together again.

He said: “I hadn’t thought about it at all, but as soon as we spoke it was an easy decision to make. Not only is he my boss but he’s very close to my heart, too, and if we can enjoy a couple more special moments together on the course then it’ll be well worth it.”

How Much Does Justin Rose’s Caddie Make?

Despite not finding his best form in recent years, Justin Rose still has impressive career earnings, with over $63m. Meanwhile, he still earns comfortably over $1m a year, making $1.4m in 2021-22 and nearly $5m in 2023.  

We believe PGA Tour caddies earn between $1500-$3000 per tournament, plus a percentage of winnings of between five and 10%, depending on how high up the player finishes and their pre-determined agreement. 

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