On a day that only makes umbrella salesmen happy, Retief Goosen has to be the most content person in wet socks.
The two-time U.S. Open champion was always a name that came up in major championship discussion but has become a name some forget. A one-over 71 in windy, rainy conditions has the Goose right back in the conversation.
An early double-bogey on the short par-4 5th hole had Goosen clawing back to par, but four birdies in his last ten holes has him three shots ahead of anyone else in the clubhouse.
Moments ago, Goosen talked to TNT's Jim Huber about his round.
It was hard, especially those first 12 holes when it was rainy and windy," Retief said. "Staying out of the long stuff is the main thing. Today you knew it was going to be not easy to get any low score in there, and I had an up and down finish but I'm happy with the round."With some big names like Phil Mickelson (8-over), Ernie Els (9-over) and Vijay Singh (10-over) moving the other way, Goosen did exactly what you need to do on a day like this. Keep it respectable, hope a couple of putts drop and try to get off the golf course with a smile and your dignity.
Tea and crumpets taste a lot better when you're leading the Open Championship.
