Monday, April 15, 2002
Goosen out of hunt early
The Associated Press
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Retief Goosen didn't get a chance to miss an 18-inch putt at the Masters.
Heck, he needed a driver to get the ball close to the cup on some of the greens.
Goosen, the U.S. Open champion, failed quickly in his bid to win a second major Sunday after starting the final round tied for the lead with Tiger Woods.
The South African did manage to finish second to Woods, coming through with a couple of late birdies for a 2-over-par 74. But Goosen wasn't the same player who dipped into the 60s the first three rounds.
“I hit my irons terrible,” he said after finishing three strokes behind the winner. “I was always putting from 40 feet.”
Goosen won his first major last summer at Southern Hills, overcoming one of the sport's most memorable blunders. With a chance to win on the 72nd hole, he missed an 18-inch putt.
Goosen could laugh about his gaffe when he beat Mark Brooks in an 18-hole playoff the following day. There wouldn't be another chance for redemption at Augusta.
“I pretty much deflated myself out there the first few holes,” Goosen said. “I was fairly happy finishing with a couple of birdies and coming in second.”
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Goosen out of hunt early
