JUSTIN ROSE produced remarkable poise and a Ben Hogan-like finish to win his first major title by two shots at the U.S. Open on Sunday after overhauling 54-hole leader Phil Mickelson in the final round.

    Rose closed with a level-par 70 in difficult scoring conditions at Merion Golf Club, posting a one-over total of 281 to become the first Englishman to win the year’s second major since Tony Jacklin at Hazeltine in 1970.

    American Mickelson, serenaded with “Happy Birthday” chants from the fans on every hole after turning 43 Sunday, bogeyed three of the last six holes for a 74 to tie for second with Australian Jason Day (71).

    It was an especially emotional win for Rose, coming on Father’s Day, and he pointed a finger skywards after two-putting for par on the 18th green to acknowledge the memory of his own father Ken, who died from leukemia in 2002.

    “It wasn’t lost on me that today was Father’s Day,” Rose said during the trophy presentation after mixing five birdies with five bogeys in the final round to win a fifth title on the U.S. PGA Tour.

    “For it to all just work out for me, on such an emotional day, I just couldn’t help but look up to the heavens and think that my old dad Ken had something to do with it.”

    Left-hander Mickelson, a huge fan favorite who has long coveted a first victory in his national open, had to settle for more heartache and a record sixth runner-up spot at the U.S. Open after carding a 74.

    “For me, it’s very heart-breaking,” said Mickelson, who had previously finished second at the event in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2009.

    “This could have been a really big turnaround for me on how I look at the U.S. Open and the tournament that I’d like to win, after having so many good opportunities.”(SD-Agencies)