His host, Player, arrived after touring 12 countries in 30 days. And at 41, Goosen knows he, rather than the 74-year-old Player, is feeling more worn out than the bottom of his golf shoes.
Player's legendary energy drives this charity series, which is celebrating 10 years of raising R250-million for underprivileged children through this and three other annual tournaments in China, Europe and the United States.
"Gary is the most positive person you can be around. You can learn a lot from him," Goosen said at The Links at Fancourt. With an appearance in the coming week's Nedbank Golf Challenge still looming, Goosen will be hoping to feed off Player's energy.
Teamed with Player for the first time in this betterball competition, Goosen describes it as an inspiring experience. But he'll be seeking his own inspiration on the greens. Although he's hitting the ball better than ever, his putting has frustrated him in 2009.
"These last two months, I hit the ball well enough to win at least three tournaments. I just didn't hole enough putts. But you can only keep trying. I'm using another putter this weekend and sometimes that helps. I really want to go into Sun City feeling like I'm putting well."
This is Goosen's seventh appearance in Player's tournament, and he's also looking forward to returning to Sun City after missing out on a place last year, ending his run of seven straight appearances there since 2001.
"I was disappointed not to be there last year. But I've started playing well again and am looking forward to Sun City a lot more this year. I think it's one of their stronger fields in recent years. Rory McIlroy is obviously very confident, and he's one to watch. Henrik Stenson hasn't played too well this year, but it's always a confidence boost going back to a course where you've won before."
Goosen will be hoping for that same boost this weekend and next. He won the 2005 South African Open at The Links. And in 2004 he won the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Then it's time for a break.
"I've almost played myself to death this year. I felt I needed to play more to play better. Hitting balls on the driving range doesn't help me. The family has suffered and I haven't seen my kids too much, but I had to do something about my game, and this year was better.
"I won't make the SA Open this year because I'm dead tired. And I'm playing the first two weeks in January again in Hawaii. But I've committed to play the SA Open in 2010 and I'm looking forward to that."
Fancourt owner and IT billionaire Hasso Plattner joins the host of businessmen and celebrities playing this weekend, and spoke of his enjoyment at seeing such happy people. Goosen's return to form will please him.
As for Plattner's own happiness: "I always wanted to be a rock star but wasn't good enough. The rest is software."
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