* Retief Goosen

Nationality: South Africa
Birth Place: Pietersburg, South Africa
Turned Pro: 1990 (plus 2)
Birhtday: 03/02/1969

 Two US Open victories - in 2001 at Southern Hills and 2004 at Shinnecock Hills – have secured his position among the golfing elite. A truly global golfer, won his 14th European Tour title with victory in the 2007 Commercial bank Qatar Masters after he eagled the final hole. Came close to adding the Masters Tournament to his Major tally when he finished joint second behind American Zach Johnson. Twice came close to adding further wins in 2008, finishing tied second and tied fourth in the WGC events, the CA Championship and Bridgestone Invitational respectively. In 2001 became the first non-European to win the Order of Merit since Greg Norman in 1982 and the first South African to win the Harry Vardon Trophy since Dale Hayes in 1975. Followed it up in 2002 – the year he was made an Honorary Member of The European Tour – by becoming the first non-European to retain the crown. Introduced to golf at the age of 11 by his estate agent father, Theo, a ten handicapper.

The qualification criteria of 2009 can be downloaded here

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