Justin Rose completed a journey on Sunday at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. that started as a schoolboy’s dream—to win a major and he did, the U.S. Open. The Englishman did it in superior style holding off 4-time major champion Phil Mickelson and a host of other contenders to hoist the trophy. His final round 70 wasn’t without flaw but it was solid and void of major blunders. This Open as most do was a complete test of every part of your game not the least of which is patience—take what the course may give you and survive the rest. In this case, no one finished at level par, Rose won at one over par. Merion held her own and then some.
It was particularly poignant for Rose to win on Father’s Day since his dad was his coach and mentor until his death some 11 years ago. Rose remembered his dad several times around Merion this day. It gave him the power to succeed in tough situations. Justin Rose, at age 32, is now a major champion. He joins another 32-year-old, Adam Scott, who this year also broke through with his first major win at the Masters. These two young, world,class golfers are not only terrific on the links, they are also perfect gentlemen off and that makes it even more special. In a day and age when many athletes are all about the “me, me, me,” these two Champions are all about never forgetting who helped them along the way and who really matters.
Way to go Justin—the United States Open Champion for 2013!