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The long way to the top
Justin Rose completed the long and, at times, painful journey from boy wonder to failed pro and then on to major winner at the US Open on Sunday.
Justin Rose completed the long and, at times, painful journey from boy wonder to failed pro and then on to major winner at the US Open on Sunday.
Rose first entered the spotlight when he finished in a tie for fourth as an amateur teen at the 1998 British Open at Royal Birkdale.
He turned professional immediately afterwards, but he endured what he called "a traumatic start" to his career, missing the cut in the first 21 tournaments he took part in.
His father and coach, Ken Rose, then died when Rose was just 21 and he was left alone to try and claw his way back up the ladder. Slowly but surely, he succeeded, winning the 2007 European Order of Merit title and notching up regular wins on the US PGA Tour.
But it was a win in one of the four majors that was the priority for him and after a few near misses, notably at last year's PGA Championship when he tied for third, he finally came good at Merion.
Influences there have been for Rose over the years, starting with his father, who Rose spoke emotionally about on what was Father's Day, and Sean Foley, the coach he currently shares with Tiger Woods.
