Bagman with a biro

Charlie Mulqueen speaks with Colin Byrne, caddie to Retief Goosen.

Even so, Colin Byrne, caddie to Retief Goosen as the South African defied the pressure to capture his second US Open title, is still bemused at how few butterflies were swirling in his stomach as he and his boss came down the final stretch.

Byrne says the New York fans were very hostile. They shouted things like "go and three putt and make it exciting" or "it's yours to lose". Anything that might put Goosen off and open the door for their favourite, Phil Mickelson. Colin claims he and his player heard this and more but were able to turn it to their advantage.