South African Retief Goosen, the new US Open champion, is recognised as a quiet, laid-back character who never gets flustered – though he admits to churning inside when under pressure.
So what’s the secret of his success on those ultra fast greens at Shinnecock Hills? And what can we learn from watching him?
His putting grip is a traditional reverse overlap with the left forefinger point down the shaft and gently anchoring the right hand.
There’s no tension to be seen in the grip, which helps to deliver a quiet stroke especially when great feel is required.
Toes, knees and shoulders are in line with the line of the putt – not necessarily the hole, where at Shinnecock, there was a swing on almost every putt that wasn’t below the hole.
Goosen said it was important to get a feel for the pace and reading of the greens early in his round. This helped to build confidence. Always pay attention to a playing partner’s putt, especially if it’s on a similar line, though remember it’s bad sportsmanship to stand directly in line with his or her putt.
Goosen commented that it’s okay to feel nervous over a putt; to shake inside. You learn to deal with it until it becomes natural. It helps you focus and to play your best golf under pressure.
He says: "When you're under pressure, it's sort of a must thing; you must focus and you must make the putt, and that's what I feel when I stand over it. I can only play my best golf when I'm really under pressure."
From off the green Goosen says he's not trying to hole the putt. He says: "I just keep focusing on trying to leave myself the best possible next putt – ideally an uphill putt coming back."
Tell us on the forum what you learned from watching the US Open.
