Goosen opened a two-shot lead to help to make up for his US Open disappointment
Retief Goosen made up for a disappointing finish at the US Open on Monday with a near-perfect eight-under-par round of 64 yesterday on the first day of the BMW International Open at the saturated Eichenried course, north of Munich.
The former US Open champion established a two-shot lead over Richard Finch, of England, and three over nine others, among them Danny Willett, at 21 one of England’s brightest young prospects.
Goosen suffered for his putting at Bethpage Black in New York, falling out of the top ten in the final round and having to settle for a share of sixteenth place. But in similar wet and soft conditions he looked at home from the off on a day when torrential rain at one point threatened to make the course unplayable.
With a new putter in hand, the South African opened with a birdie at the 1st and went on to pick up another seven — three in succession from the 16th — and did not drop a shot. Among his better putts was one from about 25 feet at the 3rd.
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At 40, Goosen is keen to re-establish himself among the world’s elite. It is a position that Willett dreams of, too, although in his case he has time on his side. The son of a vicar, he won his tour card at his first attempt at the qualifying school last November and has made an instant impact as a professional.
In 13 events, the Yorkshireman has had four top-ten finishes and had a share of fourth place at the Wales Open three weeks ago, a performance that took him to just under €250,000 (now about £214,000) in winnings and effectively guaranteed his place on tour for next year. That said, he is frustrated that he cannot get a place at a number of high-profile events.
“At the moment I can’t get into the French Open next week or play the Scottish Open,” he said. “It is a bit odd that I have won enough money this year to be able to pick and choose my tournaments for 2010, but have not got a high enough ranking to do it now.
“My one hope is to get another top-ten finish here in Munich. That would get me into the French Open and maybe I could get a sponsor’s invitation for the Scottish Open.”
¤ Six countries — France, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Sweden — have announced that they will bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup.
The former US Open champion established a two-shot lead over Richard Finch, of England, and three over nine others, among them Danny Willett, at 21 one of England’s brightest young prospects.
Goosen suffered for his putting at Bethpage Black in New York, falling out of the top ten in the final round and having to settle for a share of sixteenth place. But in similar wet and soft conditions he looked at home from the off on a day when torrential rain at one point threatened to make the course unplayable.
With a new putter in hand, the South African opened with a birdie at the 1st and went on to pick up another seven — three in succession from the 16th — and did not drop a shot. Among his better putts was one from about 25 feet at the 3rd.
Related Links
Ballesteros grateful for new lease of life
McIlroy: I am ready to contend in majors
The Spike Bar: Thoughts on the US Open
At 40, Goosen is keen to re-establish himself among the world’s elite. It is a position that Willett dreams of, too, although in his case he has time on his side. The son of a vicar, he won his tour card at his first attempt at the qualifying school last November and has made an instant impact as a professional.
In 13 events, the Yorkshireman has had four top-ten finishes and had a share of fourth place at the Wales Open three weeks ago, a performance that took him to just under €250,000 (now about £214,000) in winnings and effectively guaranteed his place on tour for next year. That said, he is frustrated that he cannot get a place at a number of high-profile events.
“At the moment I can’t get into the French Open next week or play the Scottish Open,” he said. “It is a bit odd that I have won enough money this year to be able to pick and choose my tournaments for 2010, but have not got a high enough ranking to do it now.
“My one hope is to get another top-ten finish here in Munich. That would get me into the French Open and maybe I could get a sponsor’s invitation for the Scottish Open.”
¤ Six countries — France, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Sweden — have announced that they will bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup.
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