Share

Albatross haunts Oosthuizen

Augusta - Louis Oosthuizen's best shot at the Masters on Sunday might also have been his worst. Like the galleries that roared with excitement at his amazing albatross, Oosthuizen could not get it out of his mind.

Video of Louis Oosthuizen's albatross

The South African thought his incredible shot, when he holed out from 235 yards on the par-5 second hole, was a sure sign that it was his lucky day and he was going to win the green jacket.

No matter how hard he tried, he could not clear his mind and his game started to suffer. He bogeyed the fourth then dropped another shot at the 10th and suddenly his two-shot lead was gone.

"It was tough after that double-eagle. When something like that happens early in your round, you think that this is it," he told reporters.

"That was my first double-eagle ever. So it was tough over the next five holes to just get my head around it and just play the course.

"But I felt like I found my rhythm going down 11, and you know, played well from there."

Oosthuizen, who won the 2010 British Open by seven shots, putted beautifully throughout the tournament and drained a series of pressure putts to stay in front.

But he could not shake off playing partner Bubba Watson and the pair finished tied at 10-under-par with Oosthuizen signing for a final round 69.

They went to a playoff but it was then, when it mattered most, that his good fortune deserted him.

He narrowly missed a birdie putt on the first playoff hole that would have given him the title.

"I don't feel like I could have hit two better putts in the playoff," said Oosthuizen. "It's a hard day, but you know, congrats to Bubba. He did brilliantly."

On the second extra hole, the odds looked to be in Oosthuizen's favour when Watson drove into the trees.

But Oosthuizen, who had himself played one of the greatest shots ever at Augusta National, could only watch as Watson produce a miracle shot of his own from the pine straw that finished in the middle of the green.

When Oosthuizen missed his difficult downhill par putt, Watson had two putts to win. The American needed them both but the victory was his.

"He must have a great feel of the game," Oosthuizen said.

"I mean, it's great knowing you almost have every little shot there is. It's really entertaining to play with him, to see the shots that he's taking on and shots that I don't really see or I would ever hit.

"He hit the driver so well today, and you know, takes on a lot of holes. He backs himself, and it's nice to see, it's really good to see."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE