An emotional Justin Rose has dedicated his US Open title to his late father after edging Phil Mickelson to claim his maiden major championship.
Rose produced a string of fine shots under pressure to become the first Englishman to win the tournament since 1970, beating closest rival Mickelson by two shots.
Rose declared in his acceptance speech at the Merion Golf Club that he felt the weight of expectation to deliver when it mattered this evening.
He said: "It wasn't lost on me that today was Father's Day and before I get too emotional, happy Father's Day to you guys.
"A lot of us come from great men. My job today was to carry myself on the golf course in a way I could be proud of. I couldn't help but look up to the heavens and think that my old dad Ken had something do do with it."
"I thought 'this is my moment'. I took inspiration from Adam Scott and the way he broke through. I'm so glad it all worked out. Philadelphia has been my town. I had such good support this week, I felt like I had a lot of goodwill in the crowd."
A final round of 70 including five birdies proved enough to earn Rose his first major crown, with Mickelson, Jason Day and Hunter Mahan finishing in a tie for second place on three-over par.
Liam Power
