Goosen going for maiden BMW victory

Retief Goosen is looking to put aside the disappointment of finishing joint runner-up at the year’s first Major by winning on his BMW Asian Open debut from April 19-22 at Tomson Pudong Golf Club.

The South African star survived the half-cut of eight-over, which left him a massive 10 shots behind the leaders last Friday. But Goosen bounced back with Saturday’s low round of two-under-70, before charging into the lead after nine holes on Sunday at Augusta. His charge from behind fell short as he finished two shots behind winner Zach Johnson, settling for joint second with Tiger Woods and Rory Sabbatini.

His exploits at the US Masters meant he now has two seconds and two thirds on the notoriously difficult Augusta. For the upcoming BMW Asian Open at Tomson however, Goosen will certainly be hoping to end his run of runner-up finishes.

At the BMW International in Munich last September, Goosen, a two-time Major winner, could only watch as Henrik Stenson drained a four-foot putt for an eagle three to win the tournament in a first-hole playoff that also included Padraig Harrington. The Swede’s win kept the South African winless in BMW-sponsored events.

Despite this, Goosen, the current world number eight and winner of 14 European Tour events during an illustrious career, said he had always enjoyed playing in BMW events.

“This year is going to be my first time at the BMW Asian Open in Shanghai and I’m very much looking forward to it,” said the South African. “BMW has been such a great part of the European Tour for a long time and they always put up world-class events.”

Known for being one of the most consistent players in the world, Goosen, 38, has won internationally every year since 1995. His calm demeanour and reputation as a steely competitor has earned him the nickname “The Iceman” on the US PGA Tour and he reached a career-high world number three last year. Besides his two US Open wins in 2001 and 2004, Goosen also topped the European Tour Order of Merit money list in 2001 and 2002.

A truly global golfer, Goosen started his 2006 season by winning in South Africa before successfully defending his China Masters crown in Sanya last October. In January this year, he came back from two shots down with two holes remaining and produced a miraculous birdie-eagle finish to claim a one-stroke victory of Australian Nick O’Hern to win the Qatar Masters.

Affectionately known as “The Goose” by his fans, Goosen is currently ranked second on the European Order of Merit and he looks forward to returning to mainland China once again.

“Well, the Chinese golf fans always give me a great welcome,” said the South African star.

“I have played in China quite a few times in the last few years. I think I’ve built up a nice fan base and I really enjoy going back. There’s always a lot of people giving me their support. The Chinese people are very friendly and I enjoy being around them. It’s like having great friends around.”

Goosen however will need more than fan support to win the BMW Asian Open 2007 as he is part of the strongest ever field assembled at Tomson Pudong Golf Club from April 19-22.

Besides his good friend and compatriot Ernie Els, Goosen will also face the likes of big-hitting American John Daly, eight-time European number one Colin Montgomerie, currently number three on the European Order of Merit Paul Casey and also the likes of local heroes Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong.

Europeans have won every edition of the BMW Asian Open except for 2005 when South African Ernie Els stormed to a 13-stroke victory.

Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden won the inaugural 2001 edition, while Padraig Harrington was the 2002 winner when the tournament was still played in Chinese Taipei. Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiménez won in 2004, while compatriot Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño triumphed last year.

April 14, 2007

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