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Any doubts that Louis Oosthuizen had the game and the temperament to cope with the pressure of leading a major championship on the last day were soon dispelled at St Andrews when he played with the confidence of a seasoned campaigner to win The Open by seven shots. To achieve his major breakthrough in the game’s oldest championship over the Old Course by such a convincing margin belied his lack of experience and the shortness of his career.
Oosthuizen secured his first win on the European Tour at the beginning of the 2010 season in the Open de Andalucia, but had won four times in his home country, including a successful defence of the South African PGA title in 2008. He had failed to make the cut in three previous Open appearances at Troon, Hoylake and Turnberry, and had also failed to progress in the US Open and Masters. The man he beat into second place for The Open title was Lee Westwood, soon to be elevated to world number one, who arrived in St Andrews with an incredible record of two third places and one second in the previous four majors.
Lodewicus Theodorus Oosthuizen was born in October 1982 and lives on a farm next door to his parents in Gouritz River, South Africa, and also has a home in Manchester. He was a graduate of the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation which gives financial assistance together with playing, practice and coaching help to young players and he was the first from that programme to play in the Masters. He represented South Africa at boys, youths and senior levels and he is now putting something back into the game by starting his own junior golf academy. After his victory he said: “To win an Open is special. To win at St Andrews is extra special.”
Age: 29.
Country: South Africa.
World ranking: 20.
Worldwide wins: 8.
Majors: British Open (2010).
At his best in 2012: One putt away from winning the Masters this year.
At his worst in 2012: Missed the cut at the U.S. Open.
British Open moment: Winning by seven shots at St. Andrews in 2010 for his first major.
Overview: Some might speculate that his runner-up finish at the Masters took a lot out of him. Doubtful. He possesses what many believe to be the best swing in golf. When he gets the putts rolling the right speed, he is dangerous anywhere.
WagerWeb.com odds to win: +3500
BRITISH OPEN RECORD
Year pos r1 r2 r3 r4 total
2011 54 72 70 74 77 293
2010 1 65 67 69 71 272
2009 85 70 76
2006 106 78 69
2004 146 74 82
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