Not One for Wilting

For the runners-up Day and Mickelson, their reactions were indicative of the different points in time in their careers. Both were disappointed but for Day in particular, there was cause for optimism after two close shaves at the majors in 2013.

"I've been close so many times now in majors, especially at a young age, which is nice," said Day. "And you've got to understand that 'Scotty' [Adam Scott] is in his young 30s and same with 'Rosie', I guess. I'm still 25, I turn 26 at the end of the year. I've got plenty of majors to play in and hopefully I can keep doing the same as I'm doing and hopefully win one soon."

For Mickelson however, the reality of a sixth US Open runner-up finish hit home immediately. "For me, it's very heart-breaking. Playing very well here and really loving the golf course, this week was my best opportunity, I felt, heading in, certainly the final round, the way I was playing and the position I was in.

"But this one's probably the toughest for me, because at 43 and coming so close five times, it would have changed way I look at this tournament altogether and the way I would have looked at my record. Except, I just keep feeling heartbreak.”

From the USGA’s perspective in every aspect other than financial [it is thought that hosting the tournament at Merion earned the Association US$10 million less than at other venues], this 'boutique' U.S. Open was an overwhelmingly and satisfying success, justification for the decision to bring the championship back after more than three decades. The one-over par winning score matched the score from 2012 at Olympic and another worthy champion was identified in Rose.

The field averaged over 74.5 strokes for the championship against a par of 70, which certainly validated the comment made by Jack Nicklaus – “Merion has some holes you can abuse but there are holes that will abuse you” – from earlier in the year. The top two players in the world – Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy – enjoyed their share of ‘abuse’ playing together for three rounds and finishing at 13- and 14-over respectively.

The final word on Merion deservedly goes to Rose, who has advanced to third in the world rankings: "I don't think anybody expected this golf course to hold up the way it did. But it surprised everybody. And I'm just glad I was kind of the last man standing.”