If he hadn't gone on to win, Retief Goosen's missed putt from 18 inches on the 72nd hole at Southern Hills, Tulsa, would have been the gaffe of the year.

Instead, Goosen, a South African who shows less emotion than any golfer on the world stage, retreated to his hotel room - where he received two phone calls, one from Ernie Els, the other from Nick Faldo - then ordered room service, watched a film on television, and returned the following day for a head-to-head, 18-hole play-off with Mark Brooks.

This time Goosen made no mistake - and started a trend of first-time major winners that was to last the rest of the season. Goosen shot a round of 70 to 72 from Brooks, and became the third South African (after Ernie Els and Gary Player) to win the US Open.

In the play-off round, Goosen required just 27 putts, on lightning fast greens, and left his putting indiscretion on the 72nd hole behind him. "I was able to keep my wits together," he said.