Justin Rose wins U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club

Victory breaks 43-year England drought

6/16/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Justin Rose reacts after sinking a putt on the 18th hole during the fourth and final round of the U.S. Open on Sunday at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. Rose won the U.S. Open, beating Jason Day and Phil Mickelson by two strokes.
Justin Rose reacts after sinking a putt on the 18th hole during the fourth and final round of the U.S. Open on Sunday at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. Rose won the U.S. Open, beating Jason Day and Phil Mickelson by two strokes.

ARDMORE, Pa. — Justin Rose is the first Englishman to win the U.S. Open in 43 years.

Rose shot a closing 70 today at Merion Golf Club for a 1-over 281 total and his first major championship. He finished two shots ahead of Phil Mickelson and Jason Day.

The 32-year-old Rose overcame his share of misadventures on a challenging course. He took the solo lead for good when Mickelson and Mahan both dropped shots at No. 15.

He finished with a tap-in for par at the 18th, a hole that didn’t yield a birdie over the final two rounds.

It’s been a long wait for England since Tony Jacklin won the trophy in 1970. Rose has been in contention before. He tied for fifth in 2003 and tied for 10th in 2007.