Rose thrives in Merion hothouse

If Americans were going to be deprived of the thrill of a Phil Mickelson US Open triumph, or baffled silly by the ongoing Major championship disappearance of Tiger Woods; if we’re going to watch Merion bludgeon the world’s best players into a bloody, pulpy mess, then we will happily, enthusiastically embrace the only storyline remaining.

A classy, touching and fully fitting win for Justin Rose, a first-time Major champ about whom people wonder which is better — his golf swing or the way he handles life and those he encounters.

Throw in similar sentiments for Adam Scott’s Masters win earlier this year and we have a theme for our 2013 Majors: Likeable, Gentlemanly, Deserving Players Only Need Apply.