If the changing of the guards in South Africa golf were to take place, Retief Goosen would be one of the first picks as successor to the crown. He won the US Open in 2001 and 2004; he is a member of the PGA Tours, South African Tour, European Tour and US PGA Tour – in short, they want him in their tournaments.
Before he became a professional golfer, Goose or Iceman as his friends or frenemies call him had 30 wins as an amateur. Winning was and still is a way of life. There are athletes like that who have a magic wand that makes them look winnable and confident. Beginning in 1995, Retief has won at least once every year in a major tournament. All his hard work and extensive training paid off very well.
What’s In the Water in South Africa?
There must be something in South Africa to be producing so many winners in golf. Is it water, perhaps? Who knows, right but the reality is they just keep coming and South Africa is being seen as a mecca for golfers. The golf courses must be terrific training ground, and the trainers are probably the best in the world.
In the case of Retief, 2001 was his year. This was when he won the US Open with a dramatic 2 point win over an American, Mark Brooks. Armed with the confidence of a true golfer, Retief went on to win again and again throughout the year. At the end of 2001, he had won the Scottish Open, Trophee Lancome, European Tour, EMC World Cup, the 2001 European Tour Order of Merit Champion, Harry Vardon trophy, and a spot at the top 10 golfers of the year worldwide.
The winning streak continued the next year in 2002 where he won the Dimension Data Pro Am and the Johnnie Walker Classic followed by the Bell South Classic and the 2nd Volvo Order of Merit. He settled down and in 2003, became a father. It could have been the reason he was sidetracked and won only later in the year. Still, it was an amazing ride.
By 2004, Retief was still considered the man to beat which he did in strides and great style. As a golfer, it’s difficult not to be awed by his strokes and the way he knows exactly where to go and how to get there.
Who would have thought that in 2 years, he would be facing divorce papers and a drought in golf?
What’s Next for Retief Goosen?
It seems he has reached his goals of winning tournaments and now as he continues to face challenges in his sport, he has also begun to look more into his future. He does have his wine label, Goose Wines.
The Wine Story
The Goose Wine is just starting out compared to vineyards that have been operational for hundreds of years. However, Retief is happy with his wine and has lined up exclusive dealers to help him promote his label. You can expect to hear more from Goose Wines. Naturally, Goose Wine is located in the cool and fertile Garden Route in South Africa, which has some of the most desirable property for sale on the entire continent.