It was jokingly put to top Springbok golfer Louis Oosthuizen he had been playing too many Tiger Woods computer games ahead of his first-ever golf shot of 2014.
The defending Volvo Champions player walked onto the first tee of the Durban Country Club just before noon local time today (Tues).
Oosthuizen began warming up swinging an iron and it was then as he looked to take his stance the penny dropped!
The 2010 Open Champion turned inquisitively in the direction of his caddy and his caddy looked back wondering what was going on.
“Ball?” said Oosthuizen.
Oosthuizen was standing there without a golf ball to hit.
The Irish Independent’s Karl McGinty and myself were on hand to witness this fun moment, and with Karl ever quick in saying: “It looks as though you have been playing too many Tiger Woods video games in the off season.”
Oosthuizen smiled and nodded in agreement.
But then as I moved a little down the tee to take the photograph below Oosthuizen joked: “I wouldn’t stand there Bernie. This shot could go anywhere.”
Fortunately, the current World No. 34 found the fairway but no sooner had he teed off and he was headed to the nearby practice putting green to greet good friend and fellow Major Champion Charl Schwartzel, who at No. 18 in the world, is the highest world ranked player in this week’s $4m tournament.
After no ball to start with Louis Oosthuizen plays his very first golf shot of 2014. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
