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Goosen takes aim at SA Open

Johannesburg - Retief Goosen says he is aiming to win a third South African Open when the event tees off at Glendower Golf Club on Thursday.

Goosen comes off a season where he has battled a back injury which has seen his world ranking plummet to 261st.

The two-time major winner, however, was determined to make a good return to top tier golf at the Sunshine and European Tour sanctioned tournament.

“It would be a good comeback to win the SA Open, I've come second a few times now,” said Goosen at Sun City on Saturday.

“I'd like to see if I can get a bit closer to Ernie's mark.”

Goosen, 44, had good experience on the course in Dowerglen in the East of Johannesburg and said it would be a difficult test.

“Glendower is a great course, I've played there since junior days.

“I hear they've really narrowed it up. It's going to be long and tight, so it sounds like a good setup for a South African Open.”

With current world number three, and defending champion, Swede Henrik Stenson back to defend his title, the competition would be fierce.

“In general the SA Open has been pretty good the last few years since it became a co-sanctioned event.

“The prize money has gone up, the field has got stronger. You've had some Europeans come and win it. Next week I'm sure the field will be very strong again.”

Goosen, however, was realistic with his expectations.

“My goal is just to start playing consistently again -- to start hitting consistent shots.

“At the moment I'm hitting a good one, bad one and so it follows. When you play well, you're consistent. Your chipping and putting is good.”

Goosen is just another player to have hit a slump in his 40s, but is looking to make a comeback similar to the one Ernie Els made in 2012 when he won the British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

“It's been a tough year, but really more -- the last two years have not been easy.

“I'm actually feeling really good now in the last month that I've been playing. I'm really looking forward to getting back and practicing and finding some form.”

Looking further ahead, Goosen felt he could have another major in him.

“Majors are hard to win.

“You have to be on top of your game. There's a possibility. Feeling healthy now, I feel like I can put in the work to try and win another one.

“Otherwise I'll have to wait a few years and try and win a Senior major.”

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