In a New York state of mind

Retif Goosen put the golf clubs to one side after his US Open win, and fears his game may pay the price at the European Open. Charlie Mulqueen reports from Staffan.

THE CONVENTIONAL wisdom suggesting Retief Goosen won his second US Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills with his head as much as his golf clubs was reinforced yesterday by his first press conference since his New York triumph.

Goosen has arrived in Co Kildare for the €3.3m Smurfit European Open over the new South Course at The K-Club. He seems to regret his decision to play here, having entered before developments at Shinnecock Hills, but he intends to make the best of it over the next four days. His calm and reticent exterior played a huge role when the most serious questions were asked at Shinnecock, it's not something that surprised him.