Page 3 Profile: Justin Rose, US Open champion

Justin Rose is England's newest sporting hero (Getty images)

Tee off!

Justin Rose is England’s newest sporting hero, becoming its first US Open champion in 43 years. On the 18th fairway of the Merian golf club on Sunday evening, he struck a near-perfect approach shot before finishing up on par. Golf lovers across the country almost burst out of their Argylls, and Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: “Congratulations to @JustinRose99 in winning the #usopen.”

He’s had quite the journey, hasn’t he?

South African-born, he moved to Hampshire with his parents at the age of five. Growing up, the local golf course was his second home. Balancing his passion with his schooling, he caught the sporting world’s attention at 17, holing from the rough with a perfect chip on the 18th at Royal Birkdale. With the path to greatness seemingly clear, he turned pro the next day but he went on to miss the cut in his first 21 pro tournaments. Now, as well as being the first Englishman to win the US Open since Jacklin, he’s also the first English winner of a Major since Sir Nick Faldo took The Masters in 1996.

Hooray!

Success was made sweeter for Rose as it happened on Father’s Day. After finishing, he pointed to the sky, in memory of his dad Ken who died of leukaemia in 2002. He said afterwards: “For it all to work out for me on such an emotional day, I couldn’t help but look up to the heavens and think my old dad Ken had something to do with it.”

Top of his game?

There’s one more milestone to reach, if Gary Lineker’s tweet is right: “Wow @JustinRose99 has won the US Open. Thrilled for him! Sports personality of the year?”