A Rose found between the wicker baskets

A Rose was found between the wicker baskets at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa.

Justin Rose became the first Englishman to win a U.S. Open in 43 years today as he battled the field, the weather at times, and the wicker baskets which sit atop every flag pole at every green at Merion.

Rose didn't beat Merion, but he did beat the field as he cards a 1-over, four-day total of 281 to beat Phil Mickelson and Jason Day by two strokes. Rose collects $1.4M, while Mickelson and Day take home $696K apiece for their efforts.

The professional golfers earned every penny this week and most of them left Philadelphia tonight shaking their heads -- especially guys like Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy. Tiger finishes 13-over-par with a four-day total of 293, Rory 14-over par and Garcia 15-over-par.

As for the wicker baskets, I guess they don't flap in the breeze and allow the competitors to filter in which way the wind blows, as if Merion needs any help. What a tough Par-70 course!

As for Phil, well, happy birthday, anyway. Another runner-up finish but you did good.