It was in their childhood home in Polokwane where Francois Goosen started to see the signs of golfing genius emerging in his younger brother Retief. And that sign came in the form of a ping pong ball.

‘We used to chip and putt with ping pong balls in the passage in our house,’ recalls Francois, who was a scratch junior golfer and regularly had the beating of his younger brother.

‘The way Retief could get action on those balls even then, with backspin and so on, was amazing. He put his mind to golf and you could see his progress on a weekly basis. The hard work and dedication he put in was incredible.

‘He’d leave the house, golf bag on the shoulder, climb on his bicycle and go down to the golf course for two to three hours of hitting balls. Then it was like I woke up one morning and I couldn’t outdrive him any more, or outplay him. It just changed.’

Goosen’s career has exemplified a longevity and consistency that is the admiration of many in the game

Nicknamed ‘The Iceman’ for his calm demeanour as a professional, Goosen’s early temperament on the golf course was anything but calm. As a junior, he remembers one particular round where he broke three golf clubs in anger.

‘I was a very bad-tempered junior. I had to work on my temperament a lot. But after that incident, my dad said, “You’re going to pay for that.” I never broke a club again.’

His brother Francois will tell you, ‘He doesn’t say unnecessary things. But when he does get going and is relaxed, he’s got a wonderful sense of humour. He’s got an array of jokes you cannot believe. Once he gets on a roll you can’t stop him.’

He grew up a staunch Blue Bulls fan and while he enjoys movies, he’s not a big watcher of golf movies in particular.

Off the golf course, Goosen is a patron of the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA), has been a proud supporter of junior golf by sponsoring tournaments, has a charitable foundation that supports numerous causes in South Africa, is still passionate about his Goose Wines, and has designed several golf courses worldwide.

‘The Goose’ has indeed defined himself as one of the great gentlemen of South African golf.

SHE SAID IT...

‘We absolutely love Retief and are grateful for all that he has done for us. What many golf fans don’t know is that beneath Retief’s unflappable exterior in the heat of competition lies a kind heart that has been incredibly good to the members of the SADGA.

‘Whether it be a financial contribution or a message of support before an event, Retief’s generosity over the years has been deeply heartwarming and we thank him for his continued support’ – SADGA operations manager Lily Reich.

MAJOR MILESTONE

Goosen relives his 2004 US Open victory at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, where he edged Phil Mickelson for the title.

CHAMPION CORNER

Hear from Goosen who came out on top at the 2024 Galleri Classic for his third PGA Tour Champions victory.

LEGENDS OF THE GAME

Gary Player introduces his fellow South African into the World Golf Hall of Fame during the 2019 induction ceremony.