Justin Rose

On Sunday 2013 June 16 England’s Justin Rose unseated Phil Mickelson to win the 113th US Open at Merion Golf Club, East Course. Following several wins on the European Tour, Rose has become the first Briton to win the US Open since 1970 when Tony Jacklin lifted the trophy in Chaska, Minnesota. We take a look at Rose’s path to victory as he celebrates his first major win.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Rose relocated to England with his family at the age of five. Taking to the game at a very early age, the young Rose amazed relatives when he broke 70 at age eleven. His teenage years were the beginning of a fruitful amateur career, with Rose winning seven events, including the 1997 St Andrews Links Trophy.

In 1998 Rose made a successful breakthrough when he birdied the final hole at the British Open to finish in fourth place. The following season, he turned professional.

Since his professional debut on the European Tour in 1999, Rose has won 14 events on the international golf circuit. To date, the Englishman has lifted the trophy five times on the PGA Tour, six times on the European Tour, and once in Japan, Australia, and South Africa respectively. Although Rose weathered some challenging years at the beginning of his career, the past five years have seen his game moving from strength to strength.

Since 2010 Rose has won four PGA Tour events, making an easy transition from European golf to the North American circuit. His performance in Sunday’s final round at the US Open, which saw him take the lead with three holes left to play, is an amazing contrast to previous years. Last year Rose placed 21st at the US Open, making the cut for the first time since 2008.

As Justin Rose begins his grand slam period, golf fans should keep a close eye on this talented British player who is making his mark on American golf.

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