The Iceman cometh

Retief Goosen, two-time US Open champion (2001 and 2004) and new World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, is born in Pietersburg on February 3 1969. On January 30 1985, while playing in a light drizzle at Pietersburg Golf Club, he is struck by lightning. His clothes are burnt from his body and he is revived on the spot. He is back on a golf course less than three weeks later. “The Goose” or “The Iceman”, as he becomes known, turns pro in October 1990 following victory in the South African Amateur Championship in July. He wins 34 professional titles around the world, ranks in the top 10 of the world rankings for more than 250 weeks between 2001 and 2007 and reaches a top of No 3 on April 23 2006. He plays in every Presidents Cup from 2000 to 2011. Goosen is passionate about his awardwinning Goose Wine collection, handcrafted on the northern slopes of the Outeniqua Mountains, his charitable foundation and golf-course design. He qualifies for the PGA Tour Champions, for players over 50, today and makes his debut at the Boca Raton Championship on Friday. He will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in California on June 10 — joining compatriots Bobby Locke, Gary Player and Ernie Els