Mark Roe is thrilled for Memorial Champion Justin Rose - but is baffled why he won't be at the US Open.
Memorial champ should get major spot, says Mark
Justin Rose has just enjoyed an incredible victory at Memorial and yet will not be at the US Open next week.
Surely there's something wrong with that system?
It can't be right that the winner of a massive tournament a fortnight before the US Open is excluded at the expense of a qualifier.
The cut-off point for automatic qualification may have passed, but you should always make room for the winners of the two tournaments leading up to the major.
Having won the Memorial, Justin shouldn't have had to go to qualifying. It simply isn't justifiable that somebody who shoots a pair of 68's at Walton Heath - and perhaps wins a play-off - gets into the US Open at the expense of somebody who has beaten a world-class field at Memorial.
The system is wrong and it needs to be adjusted.
So important
However, I don't think Justin will be too disappointed because he knows he'll be back in the majors next year.
His victory at Memorial was so, so important. Having spent so long outside the world's top 50 - he was number 66 before last weekend - he now has automatic exemption into the biggest tournaments.
He may not be at the US Open, but he'll be at the other big events, which are rich in world-ranking points and he should climb back into the top 20. His best golf is certainly worthy of that.
It's been a difficult time for him since he won the European Order of Merit in 2007, but I'm sure his intensity was boosted by Ian Poulter's win at the Accenture Match Play earlier this year. Nothing gives you a greater incentive than one of your best friends winning.
Rose has kicked things up a gear and has finally shown America how good he can be. He needed a wake-up call last season, but at last he has transferred his good form to the PGA Tour.
Stunning
He had a pair of 65's at the Sony Open earlier on this season and you could see he was close to his best in patches, but his last round at Muirfield was simply stunning.
Rickie Fowler had a three-shot lead going into the final round and everybody expected him to win the tournament. It was a difficult, breezy day and if he'd made the birdie putt at 18 he would have been round in 72. Often that would have got the job done and you can hardly say he stumbled.
But Justin Rose wrestled the title off him with his 66 and it was truly an awesome performance.
Rory McIlroy's 62 at Quail Hollow will probably be regarded as the best round of 2010, but Justin's will run that very close when we reflect on the year. It was a great round in tough conditions on greens that were as quicks as Augusta's.
It was a superb victory and an extra special one too. He did it on a golf course that he loves and it's a prestigious championship to put on your CV.
And to be met on the 18th green by the greatest living golfer in Jack Nicklaus really made it even more magical.
Ryder hopes
Justin can definitely start thinking about the Ryder Cup. Even if he doesn't make the team, I'm sure he'll have cemented himself in Colin Montgomerie's mind as a potential wildcard pick.
Monty has already said that Ian Poulter is almost guaranteed a spot - and Rose is the perfect partner for him. They're best mates and I'm confident you'll see them playing together at Celtic Manor.
And another name looking very likely to appear on the team-sheet is that of Graeme McDowell.
What he did at Celtic Manor last week was absolutely stunning. He could have played at Memorial, but he flew back to Wales to show his intentions to Monty.
And didn't that gamble play off?
He proved he was a world-class player and after a brilliant performance at the last Ryder Cup, he has now won at the venue for the next one. What more can he do to force his way into Monty's plans?
Colin has stated that he wants guys who are desperate to be in the team. McDowell has stated his intentions and has stamped his authority on the Ryder Cup race.
On a roll
It doesn't surprise me that McDowell will be flying back over the Atlantic straight away to take part in the St Jude Classic.
He'll want to go there, swing well and take his form to Pebble Beach. He's the sort of player who plays well when he's on a roll and it's right for him to play in chunks. It's healthy to play three or four tournaments in a row instead of playing week-on week-off.
Admittedly travel and fatigue may be a factor because winning a tournament does take a lot out of you, but I still think he has a great chance in Memphis.
There is a great field this week with the likes of Poulter, Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia, but McDowell is the form player and I'm looking forward to seeing him in action as he prepares for the US Open - and hopefully the Ryder Cup as well.
