Winter rest pays dividends for Goosen

Dubai Desert Classic: A refreshed Retief Goosen put his share of the lead after round one of the Dubai Desert Classic down to taking a leaf  out of Tiger Woods' book of relaxation.

The South African put his feet up over Christmas, like his American rival, and the extended break has paid dividends for both.

Goosen’s time off netted him a rise in the world rankings up to number three, while Woods, who lies three shots behind Goosen on five under, won his first tournament back last weekend in San Diego.

A superb eight-under-par round of 64, which was matched by Wales’ Jamie Donaldson and 1997 winner Australian Richard Green, leaves Goosen in a good position to emulate Woods again with a first win in his opening event of the year.

The double US Open champion said: "I didn’t touch a club for five weeks. I put them in the cupboard and wherever I travelled I didn’t even take them with me. That’s the first time I’ve not played for five weeks.

"I took six weeks off and moved a spot up the world rankings. So maybe if I take another six weeks off, I’ll move up to number two! I must say, coming out here I wasn’t expecting a lot. In the exhibition match I was hitting it pretty badly, but at least I knew I was putting well. And that’s what I did. I missed a lot of fairways, but made a lot of putts."

Life at home was far from carefree, though, and Goosen, who turns 37 on Friday, is having to contend with a minor ailment picked up during his time away from the course. "I’ve had a bit of a niggly wrist, which I’ve had some treatment on since the New Year," he added.

"I must have picked it up playing with the kids or something, pinched a nerve or pulled a muscle a little bit. Luckily, it doesn’t really hurt me when I hit the ball. I know it’s there, but it’s nothing serious."

Woods was frustrated at not capitalising on all his birdie chances, despite racing out of the blocks with two birdies and an eagle in his opening four holes. Looking slightly weary having jetted in from the west coast of America only on Monday, the world number one was nevertheless pleased with his round and also a slightly easier challenge than he is accustomed to.

"I couldn’t have asked for a better start but after that I didn’t do much after a couple of birdies and a bogey," said the 10-time major winner. "I’m very pleased, though, I’ve made a good start and I’m right there at the front.

"I think the winning score will be pretty low. The greens are perfectly smooth out there and, on top of that, pin locations are not tight to the sides. When we come over here to Europe, it’s a little bit easier than it is in the States."

Woods was playing alongside last week’s winner in Qatar, Henrik Stenson and Darren Clarke. The Swede matched Woods’ 67 while Clarke raced into an opeing 68. The big Ulsterman’s round contained little drama until a run of three birdies from the 13th, followed by another at the 17th moved hin up the leaderboard.

Clarke and Damien McGrane are the leading Irishmen in the field, four off the pace in a share of 11th alongside defending champion Ernie Els. Dubliner Peter Lawrie is a shot further back on three under while teenage amateur Rory McIlroy carded a solid opening level par 72. Gary Murphy shot a disappointing 74, as did Colin Montgomerie.