I knew from the beginning Justin had what it takes

I remember first meeting Justin Rose when he was only 14.

His father, Ken, had driven him up to Wentworth from their local club, North Hants, to practice ahead of an amateur event.

They were a great team and they went everywhere together. But Ken wasn’t one of those pushy parents.

I got to know him well and he was an exceptionally nice guy. And Justin is a carbon copy.

He’s always friendly and polite and remains well-grounded. He’s an excellent role model for any youngster looking to take up our sport. Ken knew his son had something special and Justin has never forgotten that.

He was able to call upon his late father’s implicit faith last Sunday with his emotional victory in the US Open at Merion.

We’ve always known that Justin was a man for the big occasion. He first showed that all those years ago at The Open at Royal Birkdale.

People remember the chip-in at the last to tie for fourth.

But even if that hadn’t gone in, it would still have been an excellent performance from a 17-year-old amateur on the big stage.

And what about last year at the Ryder Cup? He was one down with two to play against Phil Mickelson but finished birdie, birdie to beat him.

That was such a pivotal moment in Europe’s comeback on the final day at Medinah.

Rose is not afraid to grab his chance, either. The opportunity arose last Sunday and he was ready for it.

When he saw his ball virtually lying next to Ben Hogan’s plaque on the 18th fairway, he recognised that it was his time.

From there, he hit the most glorious four-iron under extreme pressure which never left the flag.

I can’t believe Hogan’s famous one-iron could have been any better!

Justin’s biggest strength is his temperament, and he needed that in spades at the start of his professional career.

To miss 21 cuts in a row, having turned pro the day after his exploits at Birkdale, would have finished off 99% of golfers.

It must have been shattering for him, and it was uncomfortable for the rest of us to see this teenager struggling so badly.

People wondered if he’d made a big mistake, and came to the conclusion he should have gone to America to play college golf.

But Justin never lost faith, and he never changed his swing.

Emerging successfully from that dark period makes him an inspiration to every other golfer.

Justin had contended in other Majors and had served his apprenticeship. You almost need to lose one to then come back better prepared to win.

At 32, he’s the same age as Masters Champion Adam Scott, and it’s a good age to push on and win more Majors.

His victory can be a springboard for more British success.

Luke Donald played with him in the last round at Merion and must have learned from watching his friend.

Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter live nearby in Florida, and will have played and practised with Justin on countless occasions.

They must all be positive and now think they can join Justin as Major winners.