Scottsdale, AZ …

Former Open Champion, Louis Oostuizen was quick to sing the praise of ‘Old Faithful’ in finishing third on debut in the Phoenix Open.

The winner of golf’s oldest major in 2010 at St. Andrews birdied three of his closing four holes in a best-of-the-week 65 to end just a shot out of the play-off  at TPC Scottsdale.

And all thanks to ‘Old Faithful’ – his Open winning putter.

It has been customary in past seasons for Oosthuizen to commence a new season in the Middle East but this year he decided to tee-up in Phoenix.

As Louis Oosthuizen kisses his wife after winning the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews he’s holding ‘Old Faithful’ and the putter his used this week to finish third in the Phoenix Open.

“I have to thank Old Faithful for this week”, he said.

“I have been putting well with it. Last week I tried something different, but I went back to the one I like. Yeah, it’s good this week. I definitely left a lot out there this week, but I made some good putts, as well”.

Oosthuizen has averaged around 16.5 events on the PGA TOUR over the last six seasons, but hopes to push the mark well over the 20-mark this year.

“The crowds were magnificent this week. It was an unreal feeling once you got on the 16th tee. I think everyone this week probably hit the ball further on that hole with the adrenaline pumping,” Oosthuizen said.

“It’s awesome. I think we should have that more, especially with the distance. I think it would be tricky if you’re standing with a 4-iron and there’s a lot of water and stuff in play.

“Thursday was very calm. Friday was hectic. Saturday was chaos (smiling).”