Retief Goosen captured his second U.S. Open title at the 2004 U.S. Open held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, prevailing in one of the most demanding major championships in golf history.
Entering the final round with a two-shot lead, the South African remained remarkably composed as brutal course conditions produced a final-round scoring average of 78.7. Goosen closed with a 1-over-par 71 to finish at 4-under 276, two strokes ahead of Phil Mickelson.
The tournament’s dramatic conclusion came when Mickelson briefly took the lead before a costly double bogey on the 17th hole, while Goosen responded with a crucial birdie at the 16th and steady pars coming home.
“In the U.S. Open, you’re up against the best field on one of the toughest courses, fighting on every shot. Everything about it is designed to be hard. So when you win, you know that you’ve taken your game to another level. Winning the championship will always be my proudest moment,” Goosen said of his triumph.
South African golfer and leader Retief Goosen tees off on the 3rd hole during the final round of play at the 2004 US Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, 20 June 2004. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images)
Driver: TaylorMade r7 Quad (8.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi MAS2 X
Hybrid: TaylorMade Rescue Mid (14 degrees)
Irons: TaylorMade Rac MB Forged
Retief Goosen wins the 2004 U. S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, June 20, 2004. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Wedges: TaylorMade Rac Black (56), TaylorMade Rac Chrome (60)
Putter: C-Groove Tracy by Yes! Golf
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
