Golf: Money not everything - Goosen

European number one Retief Goosen begins the defence of his crown today feeling refreshed after turning down at least £100,000 (€161,450) in favour of a much-needed rest.

Goosen found himself in high demand after winning his maiden major title in the US Open last year, when he also finished top of the European Tour Order of Merit.

The offers to play in lucrative end-of-season tournaments flooded in, and Goosen was quick to take advantage, with the added bonus of partnering Ernie Els to victory in the World Cup in Japan.

But the globe-trotting schedule finally caught up with the South African, and he turned down a guaranteed £100,000 (€161,450) minimum to play in Tiger Woods’ invitational tournament in December.

‘‘I didn’t play Tiger Woods’ event in the end because I was just too tired,’’ Goosen said, ahead of his first round in the Bell’s South African Open in Durban.

‘‘I had a three-week break and that helped. I played nine holes of golf during that time and that was it.

‘‘Last week was my first week back in Hawaii. I was a little rusty obviously and putted really badly but I had a nice last round and it started to come back. If I can get over the jet lag quickly maybe I can do something.

‘‘Last year did take its toll towards the end. I thought I could maybe go through but at the end, if you turn down 150,000 US dollars guaranteed money you’ve got to be tired.

‘‘I felt I just couldn’t do another 25 hours of flying and come back for a few weeks and do another 35 hours.’’

Goosen will be one of the favourites for the £79,250 first prize, although he does not have a particularly impressive record in the event, the second oldest Open tournament - behind the British Open - in the world.

‘‘This is obviously a tough course when the wind is blowing, especially the first six holes,’’ added Goosen.

‘‘I’ve never done particularly well here or in the SA Open in the past. This week I hope we can change that.’’

Els won the event in 1998 over the Durban Country Club course and is in optimistic mood after maintaining his record of at least one win every season in the Vodacom Players’ Championship in Cape Town in December.

‘‘Like everybody I needed the break,’’ said Els.

‘‘I only started back about four days ago but obviously I am hopeful of doing well this week. This is our national open and it means a lot to win it.

‘‘It’s a very important event and I don’t get the opportunity to play in it like I used to, but when I do, I want to play well.’’