Retief Goosen secured his place in The 147th Open at Carnoustie after progressing through final qualifying at Prince’s in Kent.
The two-time US Open champion was among 12 qualifiers from a field of 288 players who competed for a place in golf’s original championship at four venues throughout the UK: The Renaissance Club in Scotland, St Annes Old Links, Notts (Hollinwell) and Prince’s.
With 20mph winds making conditions extremely tricky on the Kent coast and watched by a sizeable gallery alongside Kent’s Alfie Plant, the leading amateur at Royal Birkdale last year who missed out this time, Goosen birdied the par-five 7th, his 16th, and then holed a putt from 30 feet for a two at the short 8th.
The 49-year-old South African thought he had missed out, however, when his chip at the 9th lipped out and he took two putts for a bogey.
At one under par after rounds of 71 and 72, Goosen was one of only three players to finish under par at Prince’s and confirmed his place in the field for The Open for the first time since 2015.
‘I am glad it played tough today as I play better when it is difficult. I drove the ball well and my long putting in the wind was good. This will be my last Open as a regular tour player — next year I’ll be with the seniors — but I’m looking forward to it. Carnoustie is always tough but I’m sure it will be in great condition. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be as windy as today.’
Rhys Enoch, who won this year’s Cape Town Open on the Sunshine Tour, also booked his place at Carnoustie.
The final 3 qualifiers are confirmed for @nottsgolfclub @Oliver_Wilson , Ashton Turner & Rhys Enoch.
Congratulations gents ? #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/I6FikYMkhH
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 3, 2018
