Rose Wins U.S. Open in Honor of Late Father
Justin Rose‘s emotional U.S. Open win on Sunday meant more than just his first major win since turning pro. The U.S. Open Championship, which traditionally finishes on Father’s Day, was extra special for Rose, who was playing with the memory of his own father Ken. Rose’s father passed away in 2002 after a brave battle with cancer.
After the victory, Rose reflected on how he kept his father present in spirit when he could not be there physically.
“I thought ‘I wonder how my dad thinks I’m going to play today,'” Rose said. “I always knew the U.S. Open finishes on Father’s Day and I’d been in contention most of the week and I really wanted that moment I could share with him and honor him.”
Rose shot one over par on the final day and one over par for the tournament to secure the first major victory for an Englishman since Nick Faldo‘s win at the 1996 Masters. On the 18th hole, Rose sunk a putt for par to wrap up his tournament. He picked his ball out of the cup, kissed it, then pointed to the heavens in honor of his late father.
“He sacrificed so much for me and taught me the game,” Rose said of his father. “I’ve seen Rory (McIlroy) celebrate with his dad, G-Mac (Graeme McDowell) celebrate with his dad. I’ve always thought that moment must just be so special and for me, today, it was special in my own way.”
Winning a major tournament is a pivotal moment in every golfer’s career but winning his first on Father’s Day was clearly quite a moment for Justin Rose.
