South African Retief Goosen won an electric and controversial US Open the last time it was held at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island in 2004.
South African Retief Goosen won an electric and controversial US Open the last time it was held at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island in 2004.
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Goosen and Irish caddie Colin Byrne faced a barrage of abuse from a raucous New York crowd as they battled home hero Phil Mickelson on a fast and fiery final day. "They were shouting insults to his face on the Sunday. It was quite hostile," Byrne told CNN.
Goosen and Irish caddie Colin Byrne faced a barrage of abuse from a raucous New York crowd as they battled home hero Phil Mickelson on a fast and fiery final day. "They were shouting insults to his face on the Sunday. It was quite hostile," Byrne told CNN.
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Left-hander Mickelson was the reigning Masters champion and was bidding to win the US Open for a first time after two runner-up spots.
Left-hander Mickelson was the reigning Masters champion and was bidding to win the US Open for a first time after two runner-up spots.
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Shinnecock Hills is an uber-exclusive golf club in the blueblood heart of the Hamptons at the eastern end of New York's Long Island.
Shinnecock Hills is an uber-exclusive golf club in the blueblood heart of the Hamptons at the eastern end of New York's Long Island.
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Conditions were hot and windy, making seemingly good shots end up in difficult spots or bound through greens into trouble. "It was carnage, scores were outrageous," says Byrne.
Conditions were hot and windy, making seemingly good shots end up in difficult spots or bound through greens into trouble. "It was carnage, scores were outrageous," says Byrne.
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Goosen held a two-shot overnight lead but had to contend with a difficult course, a fired-up Mickelson and a jingoistic crowd on the last day. "The more they abused him the better he got. That was the worst thing they could have done," says Byrne.
Goosen held a two-shot overnight lead but had to contend with a difficult course, a fired-up Mickelson and a jingoistic crowd on the last day. "The more they abused him the better he got. That was the worst thing they could have done," says Byrne.
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"Guys were running up as he was coming off the green, shouting at him to three putt, or saying 'all yours to lose,' just nasty stuff and everything in his face," added Byrne.
"Guys were running up as he was coming off the green, shouting at him to three putt, or saying 'all yours to lose,' just nasty stuff and everything in his face," added Byrne.
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Goosen's countryman and playing partner in the final group, Ernie Els, shot himself out of contention with a closing 80 but intervened at times to keep troublemakers at bay.
Goosen's countryman and playing partner in the final group, Ernie Els, shot himself out of contention with a closing 80 but intervened at times to keep troublemakers at bay.
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At the same time, US Open organizer the USGA had underestimated conditions and had to react when some holes, notably the seventh green, became so slick it was impossible for balls to stay on it.
At the same time, US Open organizer the USGA had underestimated conditions and had to react when some holes, notably the seventh green, became so slick it was impossible for balls to stay on it.
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Play was held up while greens staff watered the course.
Play was held up while greens staff watered the course.
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Then world No.1 Tiger Woods, a seven-time major champion, finished tied 17th as he endured a second straight year without adding to his major tally.
Then world No.1 Tiger Woods, a seven-time major champion, finished tied 17th as he endured a second straight year without adding to his major tally.
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Goosen overcame a host of obstacles at Shinnecock Hills to win his second US Open three years after his first.
Goosen overcame a host of obstacles at Shinnecock Hills to win his second US Open three years after his first.
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