PINEHURST, N.C. – Justin Rose’s final gesture as defending champion of the U.S. Open was one of pure class.
The 2013 champion didn’t play particularly well during a final-round 72 at Pinehurst No. 2, but he did close with birdie on the final hole. Once the putt dropped, Rose threw his fist forward, threw his leg back to imitate the historic pose that Payne Stewart made famous here in 1999 when he won the U.S. Open.
“It was certainly fun to finish that way and in a way honor Payne Stewart,” Rose said. “He was always one of my favorite golfers.”
Rose ended the week at 3 over par and tied for 12th place.
