South
African Retief Goosen donned five layers of clothing to combat cold, rain and
wind on Thursday and was rewarded with a two-stroke lead in the Belgian Open.
Goosen, who still entertains
hopes of deposing Colin Montgomerie as European number one, shot a six-under-par
65 in the opening round.
"I
needed two shirts, a jersey, sleeveless jersey and waterproofs and carried hand-warmers
in my pocket," he said. "It's the first time I've been back here for six years
and this time it was really cold.
Goosen, bidding for a second win of the year to go with three seconds and two
fourths, excelled on the downwind holes with six birdies.
His closest challengers were veterans Tony Johnstone of Zimbabwe and Spaniard
Jose Rivero, plus Briton Dean Robertson, who had a maiden Tour win in this year's
Italian Open.
Goosen's ability
to play in bad weather was a big advantage. "It was even colder than the Dunhill
Cup two weeks ago. I packed for cold weather there but for warmer weather here
and I've had to use up nearly all my suitcase.~
Goosen, nearly $1 million behind Montgomerie on the European prize money list,
has not given up hope of toppling the Scot.
"There
are three tournaments left and there is 800,000 pounds ($1.34 million) up
for grabs in the last two, so there are a few guys who have a chance.
"It's going to be tough to do that in Spain
in the last two weeks -- but it's going to be warmer!"
American John Daly coped with the bad weather despite arriving from Las Vegas,
but he was disappointed with a closing bogey for a 71.
Tournament favourite and holder Lee Westwood of Britain slipped to a 73.
