Retief Goosen

Born:  February 3, 1969

Birthplace: Pietersburg, South Africa

Height: 5 ft 11 in

Turned Pro: 1990

Sponsors:  Taylor Made, Ashworth, Adidas, Rolex, NetJets

 
Much like his fellow South African Gary Player, Retief Goosen has been a global golfer throughout his career.  Goosen has played regularly on the PGA, European and South African Tours. 
 
Goosen recovered from a serious lightning strike when he was 15-years old to win 30 times as an amateur, earning the prestigious Springbok Colors in 1990.
 
In October 1990, Goosen turned pro.  Two years later, he won the European Tour Qualifying School tournament.  Goosen would wait 4 more years to collect his first European Tour win and he would win 3 more times by the end of 2000.
 
Goosen was not a well-known commodity in America when he came to the U.S. in June 2001 for the U.S. Open.  Goosen would survive a disastrous three-putt from 12 feet, including a miss from less than 2 feet, on the final hole and prevail the next day in an 18-hole playoff to win the U.S. Open and collect his first Major title. 
 
In 2002, Goosen won his second consecutive European Tour Order of Merit title.  He also came close to adding a second Major, finishing runner up at the Masters to Tiger Woods.  
 
In 2004, Goosen would secure his second U.S. Open Championship with an incredible display of putting at Shinnecock Hills.  Only two players finished the tournament under par – Goosen and Phil Mickelson.  Players were highly critical of the USGA’s set up and the course’s deteriorating condition during the course of the week.  Goosen would one-putt 11 times in the final round on slick, dry greens and win by two strokes. Goosen would cap off 2004 with victory at the Tour Championship. 

For his career, Goosen has carded 16 top ten finishes in the Majors.  He also represented the International Team in the Presidents Cup in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011.