The Goose has finished in the top twenty in each of the last six Opens, coming closest to the Claret Jug when finishing tied fifth behind Tiger at St Andrews in 2005. A two-time US Open winner, at Southern Hills in 2001 and at the diabolical Shinnecock Hills in 2004, Goosen has not reached those consistent heights in recent years. However, popped in an eagle on the last hole to win the Commercialbank Qatar Masters in January and was tied for second in the Masters.

Missed the cut at Oakmont and at the Scottish Open, but has the class to still be in contention on the Sunday at Carnoustie. Needs to rediscover his best putting touch.