Oosthuizen capitalized on more benign conditions earlier (much earlier) today to fire a 5-under-par 67. His 7-under 65 yesterday was overshadowed by Rory McIlroy going 9-under. McIlroy followed up his -9 with an 80.That's right, an 80, and plummeting to 1-under overall for the tournament.
But who is this guy Oosthuizen?
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| Oosthuizen is all smiles after dodging windy conditions on Friday. He leads The Open Championship after two rounds. |
First off, he was born in Mossel Bay, South Africa. Born the son of a farmer, playing a lot of golf wasn't fathomable. That is until fellow South African and mentor Ernie Els began the Ernie Els foundation. Oosthuizen was a foundation member for three years helping to cover expenses as Oosthuizen developed his game. He won 6 amateur titles and made the jump as a pro in 2003. He is currently a member of the European Tour and collected his first pro victory this year at Open de Andalucia de Golf.
What can we expect from Oosthuizen in the final two rounds?
Funny you ask. This week's Open Championship marks the ninth time Oosthuizen has played in a major. His record is anything but flattering. He has missed 7 cuts in his previous 8 major appearances with a 73rd at the 2008 PGA Championship being his best showing (and only cut). Obviously, Oosthuizen has never been in this position before and there are others that have major experience lurking. In other words, who knows?
There's Miguel Angel Jimenez, Ricky Barnes, Tom Lehman, Retief Goosen and newly crowned U.S. Open champ Graeme McDowell are all at -5. Paul Casey and Lee Westwood stand at -6. Mark Calcavecchia is the closest to Oosthuizen at -7. All have either won a major or been in contention in a major. Seeing Casey and Westwood close in the rear view mirror cannot be a good feeling.
Play was suspended due to darkness and will resume early, and I mean, early in the morning.
Oosthuizen will have a restful evening as he already knows he's playing the weekend.
And sometimes, that gives you too much time to think.
Thanks for the information - I have to hold my hands in the air and admit that I'm guilty of having never heard of Oosthuizen before now. It's great when a new name comes to the forefront as it highlights the sports ability to surprise.
ReplyDeleteHis claim to fame was the spelling and pronunciation of his last name. No need for that worry any longer as Oosthuizen in the 2010 Champion Golfer.
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