Double US Open champion swings in to Jersey

Thursday 02 July 2015

Young golfers will have to be on top of their game if they want to impress their new coach - Retief Goosen, the 2001 and 2004 US Open Champion, is coming to Jersey this weekend for a one-off training session.

Goosen's visit is being hosted by Standard Bank, and he's also going to be playing a round with some of the bank's wealth and investment clients.

The South African is one of the best golfers of his generation. Before turning professional in 1990 he was awarded Springbok Colours in recognition of his 30 amateur wins, and for his outstanding contribution to amateur golf.

2001 became Retief’s most successful year, when he won the US Open by two shots and finished off the year by taking the World Cup in Japan for South Africa. He was crowned the 2001 European Tour Order of Merit Champion and moved into the top 10 of the World Rankings. Multiple major title wins followed, including The European Open and a second US Open win. After back injury plagued his game between 2011 and 2013, Retief is now back on form.

Deon de Klerk, Head of Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, Africa and International, said hosting the golfer will be a great honour.

He said: "We are delighted that Retief is able to come to Jersey to play golf with our Wealth and Investment clients, and to coach our local youngsters in their game. Having a golfer of his stature teaching island juniors will hopefully inspire some of our young sports talent to strive for as much success as Retief has enjoyed."

In the evening, Standard Bank will be hosting a dinner in the Royal Jersey Club House and wines from Retief’s vineyard in South Africa will be served.