Australian Jason Day was once again our best performer, but his chances evaporated when his approach on 18 found a bunker and he took bogey. Phil Mickelson tied with Day for 2nd place after a tumultuous final few holes. Justin Rose is the fifth U.S. Open champion at Merion Golf Club, joining Olin Dutra (1934), Ben Hogan (1950), Lee Trevino (1971) and David Graham (1981).
He is the ninth Englishman to win the U.S. Open. Horace Rawlins won the inaugural championship in 1895, followed by Joe Lloyd, Harry Vardon, George Sargent, Ted Ray, Jim Barnes, Cyril Walker and Tony Jacklin who won the 1970 championship.
With the home galleries egging him on, Big Phil hit the green of the 15th hole, but the edge the green wass between him and the hole. He chose to hit a wedge, but hit the shot thin, leaving a 20-footer for par which he missed. Rose at this stage bogeyed 16 to keep Phil and Day in the hunt.
Needing to birdie the 511 yard par 4 final hole to force a playoff, Phil’s approach from the left rough came up short of the green, and he failed to hole the chip, eventually taking bogey to tie with Day two shots behind Justin Rose.