Ernie Els vs Retief Goosen
Two South African U.S. Open champions who defined an era.
Ernie Els has 4 major titles: U.S. Open (1994, 1997) and The Open Championship (2002, 2012). Retief Goosen has 2 major titles: U.S. Open (2001, 2004).
Quick Facts
- Nationality
- South African
- Els majors
- 4 (Masters, Open Championship)
- Goosen majors
- 2 (U.S. Open, Masters)
- Peak era
- Late 1990s to early 2000s
- Shared honor
- Both inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame
Lore & Background
Retief Goosen was born in Pietersburg (now Polokwane), South Africa, on 3 February 1969. He was struck by lightning while golfing in 1987. He turned professional in 1990 and won the South African Amateur Championship that same year. He won his first U.S. Open in 2001 at Southern Hills Country Club, defeating Mark Brooks in an 18-hole playoff. He won his second U.S. Open in 2004 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, beating Phil Mickelson by two strokes. Goosen headed the European Tour Order of Merit in 2001 and 2002. He was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame, class of 2019.
Reader's Guide
Goosen's rivalry with Els is part of the 'Big Five Era' (2004–2007) that also included Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, and Phil Mickelson. Goosen and Els played together on International teams in the Presidents Cup (2000, 2003, 2005). Goosen defeated Tiger Woods in singles at the 2005 Presidents Cup.
Did You Know?
- Goosen had 11 one-putt greens in the final round of the 2004 U.S. Open.
- Goosen rose to a career-high world ranking of 3rd after winning the 2004 U.S. Open.
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