In the Bag: Louis Oosthuizen

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN birdied the last two holes to retain the Volvo Champions yesterday in his native South Africa.

This is the fourth year running that Oosthuizen has won the first tournament of the year on home soil but it was a nail-biting end for the 2010 Open champion as he pipped compatriot Branden Grace by one shot.

The 31-year-old carded a 68 to finish on a final score of -12 and it was thanks to his finishing flourish that he managed to take the trophy from Grace who was the leader in the club house.

Swing Sequence: Louis Oosthuizen

Oosthuizen said: "I thought I played some superb golf today. I let a couple slip out there which was unfortunate but if you had told me my first event I would start off with a second place, I would have taken it. This really gives you a push in the right direction so I'm really stoked."

"After my tee shot on 16 I was lucky that I could chip it out and nearly made a great par," Oosthuizen added.

"But when I stood over the ball on 17 I saw that Branden had made birdie on 18 so I knew that second shot was crucial to give myself a good opportunity and I hit it really close.

"And then 18, everyone thinks you just need to make a birdie but around that green it's not easy and luckily I was far enough past where I could pitch it back into the grain and get it close.

"It was nerve-wracking through the round but I finished strong and I'm just happy that I got it done. It's an awesome start for the year. Confidence-wise it's great.

"I haven't really played well last year with all the injuries so hopefully I can build from here on and just go better next time."

"I've got three weeks now that I really need to work on my back," Oosthuizen added. "It's still not 100 per cent. Luckily this week I didn't have to hit a lot of drivers, but once I get to Augusta I need to hit driver."

Oosthuizen played a full bag of PING equipment including the brand new S55 irons.

What’s in Louis’ bag?

Driver: PING Anser (9.5 degrees, Project 6B7-X tipped 1”, 44.5, D3, Grip: Tour Velvet 58 Rib)
Fairway Wood: PING G5 ( 15 degrees, Fujikura Tour Special, 7.2-S, tipped 1.5” 42.5”, D2, TV 58 Rib)
Hybrid: PING G5 (18 degree, Fujikura Tour Spec, 7.2-S, tipped 1.5”, 42”, D2, TV 58 Rib
Irons: PING S55 TT Dynamic Gold, x100, 1-/2 degrees upright, D1, TV 58 Rib)
Wedges: PING Tour-S Rustique (47, 57, 60 degrees. 47 – TT Dynamic Gold x100, Red, 54, 60 – TT Dynamic Gold S400 Red, TV 58 Rib)
Putter: PING Scottsdale TR Anser T ( 34”, 19.5 lie, 2 degrees loft, Golf Pride PP58, Midsize Cord)