'Brain dead' Goosen a live contender

US Open champion Retief Goosen claimed he was "brain dead" for the first few holes at The K-Club yesterday.

But he concealed his fragile state of mind as he cracked a four iron, into the strong wind at the difficult 449 yards opening hole, to within four feet and sank the putt for a birdie.

It was the ideal start the hero of Shinnecock Hills wanted over another extremely difficult golf course on the opening day of the €3.3m Smurfit European Open. Only 22 players beat the par of 72 over the new South (or Smurfit) lay-out with just eight managing to break 70.