Goosen fulfils charity auction promise at Burhill Golf Club

Two-time Major winner Retief Goosen popped into Burhill Golf Club recently to fulfil his promise to four lucky club members.   The PGA and European Tour player kept his word to play 18 holes with Mike and Sue Sadler, plus Bill and Nancy Lee after he was cajoled into putting himself up for auction to support the South African Disabled Golfers’ Association (SADGA) Golf Day at the Walton-on-Thames club in September.   Goosen was ‘won’ by the four Burhill members and turned up on a crisp November morning so they could claim their prize.   The 39-year-old South African shot a creditable 66, slightly more than the course record of 62, which he set in 2007, but nevertheless a fantastic score.   Despite winning the US Open on two occasions, Goosen admitted to a few nerves as a small gallery gathered to watch him make an eagle putt on a par-4, quipping: “No pressure here then guys?”   After welcome refreshments in the Captains’ Bar afterwards, Goosen was happy to sign a number of mementoes for Burhill members.   Following his experience of playing with a PGA Tour pro, Mike Sadler said: “It was a pleasure to watch such a class act at close quarters and to experience playing alongside a two-time Major champion.”   Bill Lee added: “What a charming and gracious playing partner – he gave us some amazing tips!”   Burhill Golf Club will welcome Goosen back in his role as patron of SADGA in October 2009 for its annual golf day. For more information or to support this day, please contact Lily Reich on lily@sadga.co.za or Gill Fee g.fee@burhillgolf-club.co.uk