Oosthuizen left US Open satisfied
Louis Oosthuizen remained positive despite finishing one stroke behind US Open Champion Jordan Spieth at Chambers Bay.
The South African started off extremely poor as he finished the first round seven over par but fought hard to claw his way back to finish four under par, tied for second with American Dustin Johnson.
The disappointing opening round left Oosthuizen 12 strokes off the pace. Gaining almost all those shots back in three rounds was no mean feat.
“I’m very happy,” the 27-year-old told skysports.com.
“I had a rough start. Started awfully, really. The first fairways, the first few holes, I couldn’t get to greens. I struggled. Three over through four (holes) is not the start you want.”
The 2010 Open Championship winner explained that he had to adjust his game plan, which worked out for him as he birdied six of the last seven holes in the final round, including holing a wedge from 135 yards.
“I pushed myself the last few holes to be more aggressive on putts, just to see if I can get to some sort of number,” he explained.
“To hole that wedge on 14 got me really motivated for those last four holes.”
Oosthuizen admitted that he felt nostalgic as he was reminded of the time he finished second in the Masters Tournament in 2012.
“You sort of forget how you play when you get in that situation of having a chance of winning a major,” said the 2012 Masters runner-up.
“The last time I felt that was in 2012 at Augusta. It was nice being in that spot again. I felt very relaxed. I felt eager to get to the next hole and try and get some birdies going. I wasn’t nervous at all. I’ll take a lot out of this week.”
The Mossel Bay-born professional was quite pleased at the end of the day considering the bad start he had as he battled his way back to a very respectable finish.
“I could have easily today shot a big number after that start. I just fought and tried to just have a good week. After my start in the first round, I’m very happy for where I am now,” he added.
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