Rose breaks 43-year England drought, wins US Open

Justin Rose, of England, reacts after a putt on the 18th hole during the fourth round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Merion Golf Club on Sunday in Ardmore, Pa.

Justin Rose, of England, reacts after a putt on the 18th hole during the fourth round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Merion Golf Club on Sunday in Ardmore, Pa.

ARDMORE, Pa. — Justin Rose is the first Englishman to win the U.S. Open in 43 years.

Rose shot a closing 70 Sunday at Merion Golf Club for a 1-over 281 total and his first major championship. He finished two shots ahead of Phil Mickelson and Jason Day.

The 32-year-old Rose overcame his share of misadventures on a challenging course. He took the solo lead for good when Mickelson and Mahan both dropped shots at No. 15.

He finished with a tap-in for par at the 18th, a hole that didn’t yield a birdie over the final two rounds.

It’s been a long wait for England since Tony Jacklin won the trophy in 1970. Rose has been in contention before. He tied for fifth in 2003 and tied for 10th in 2007.

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