Rose blooms in June

Justin Rose made history when he became the first English winner of the US Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970, and his phenomenal achievement has been further recognised with him being named The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Month for June. Rose, who receives an engraved alms dish and a Jeroboam of Moët & Chandon champagne, compiled rounds of 71-69-71-70 on Merion’s East Course to claim the title by two shots ahead of Australian Jason Day and American Phil Mickelson and become the first English winner of a Major Championship since Sir Nick Faldo secured the Masters Tournament for a third time in 1996. Rose, who is currently Number One in The 2013 Race to Dubai and third in the Official World Golf Ranking, said: "It's an honour to be recognised, especially considering the calibre of play exhibited on the European Tour this past month. It was a thrill to bring England its first U.S. Open victory since Tony Jacklin's win in 1970. I look forward to continuing this form throughout The 2013 Race To Dubai." The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Month Panel, comprising members of the Association of Golf Writers as well as commentators from television and radio, were unanimous in their choice of Rose who, at the age of 32, was making his 37th appearance in a Major Championship. Nevertheless the Panel also recognised the winning performances of South Africa’s Ernie Els, who at the age of 43 captured his 28th European Tour title and 68th worldwide with his BMW International Open triumph, Dutchman Joost Luiten (Lyoness Open powered by Greenfinity), Ireland’s Simon Thornton (Najeti Hotels et Golfs Open presented by Neuflize OBC), England’s Paul Casey (Irish Open) and American Brooks Koepka who, with three wins in seven tournaments on the Challenge Tour, automatically earned a place on The European Tour. Iain Carter, Golf Correspondent of BBC Radio Five Live, said: “This was another outstanding month for European Tour players but the vote simply had to go to Justin Rose for his landmark victory that will be remembered as one of the finest performances ever to win a Major Championship. Justin coped best with a classic and difficult golf course to beat a high quality field and prove unquestionably that he is a thoroughly deserving Major Champion.” Rose will now be considered – along with previous winners Chris Wood (January), Darren Fichardt (February), Marcel Siem (March), Raphaël Jacquelin (April) and Matteo Manassero (Italy) – for The 2013 Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Year Award, and all will be seeking to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Rory McIlroy.