Goosen shines in Munich
Retief Goosen back to his best
Also In The News
|
Max Mosley has claimed that the FIA has agreed a deal with the Formula One Team's Association (Fota) to prevent a breakaway series next season. |  |
Thursday, 25, Jun 2009 09:26
Two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen took the first round lead at the BMW International Open in Munich with a fine eight-under-par 64.
The weather in Germany was reminiscent of that at the Bethpage Black earlier this week as heavy showers left parts of the Golfclub München Eichenried course waterlogged and play had to be suspended for a while.
Luckily for Goosen, he was one of the late starters and missed the bad weather and took advantage by shooting a bogey free round. The South African sunk four birdies on the front nine and four more on the back nine.
The 40-year-old finished a disappointing 16th at the US Open and revealed a change of putter had led to the change in fortune in Munich.
"It would have been nice to make them (putts) at the US Open - I holed nothing there," said Goosen. "I tested a new putter in the pro-am here and it felt so good, so I just decided to give it a try."
Englishman Richard Finch is two behind Goosen on six-under-par with the highlight of his round coming on the sixth hole when he putted a brilliant eagle.
Andrew Coltart – who played in the Ryder Cup in 1999 – rolled back the years to card an excellent round of four-under-par 67 to take a share of third place, with veteran Welshman Phillip Price joining him on the same score.
German legend Bernhard Langer outplayed his playing partner Rory McIlroy as he hit a round of three-under-par 68 while McIlroy finished on one-under.
Luke Donald and Colin Montgomerie are still in contention after they ended round one on two-under-par.