Retief Goosen, known as “The Goose,” stands out as one of South Africa’s top golfers with two U.S. Open wins and a lasting impact on the game. He’s still competing strong on the PGA Tour Champions at age 57, keeping fans hooked with his cool-headed style.
Retief Goosen’s Biography
Here’s a quick look at Retief Goosen’s key personal details in a table.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Retief Goosen |
| Nickname | The Goose, The Iceman |
| Born | February 3, 1969, Pietersburg (Polokwane), South Africa |
| Age | 57 years |
| College | N/A |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 1990 |
| Net Worth | ~$40 million |
| Salary/Earnings | Career prize money $31M+; recent senior wins add $300k+ yearly |
| Spouse | Tracy Pottick |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| @thegoose_golf |
Early Career
Retief Goosen started golf young thanks to his dad, a real estate agent and amateur player in Pietersburg, South Africa. As an amateur, he racked up around 30 titles, including the 1990 South African Amateur Championship. That same year, at 21, he turned pro on the Southern Africa Tour (now Sunshine Tour), grabbing early wins like the 1992 Spoornet Classic. A wild moment came in 1987 when lightning struck him during a round—his clothes burned off, but he bounced back quick, grabbing new clubs weeks later. By 1992, he earned his European Tour card as Q-School medalist.
Professional Career
Goosen broke out in 1996 with his first European Tour win at Slaley Hall, then added the 1997 Peugeot Open de France. His big leap hit in 2001: he clutched the U.S. Open at Southern Hills, beating Mark Brooks in an 18-hole playoff after a shaky final-hole three-putt. That year, he topped the European Tour Order of Merit, won three times including the Scottish Open, and stayed hot into 2002 with another Order of Merit title.
In 2004, he defended his U.S. Open crown at brutal Shinnecock Hills, edging Phil Mickelson by two despite a final-round scoring average near 79. He notched seven PGA Tour wins total through 2009’s Transitions Championship, peaked at world No. 3, and spent 250+ weeks in the top 10. Later dips came from injuries and swing tweaks, but he turned 50 in 2019, joined PGA Tour Champions, won Rookie of the Year, and grabbed his first senior major at the Bridgestone Senior Players. Wins kept coming: Hoag Classic (2022), Galleri Classic (2024), Sanford International (2025). Total pro victories hit 40 across tours.
Wife
Retief’s been happily married to Tracy Pottick since April 28, 2001—she’s often at his events, cheering steady. They have two children: son Leo (born around 2003) and daughter Ella. The family stays low-key, prioritizing privacy amid his travels, with roots in South Africa. No recent changes noted; they’re solid.
Retief Goosen’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Retief Goosen’s net worth sits around $40 million, built on massive career prize money topping $31.3 million from PGA Tour and Champions events. Recent senior wins like the 2025 Sanford International ($330k winner’s check) keep earnings flowing, plus steady top-10s. Investments in his Goose Wines (award-winning labels) and golf course designs boost it beyond golf paydays.
Prize Money
Goosen’s prize money shines across tours, with peaks in his prime. Here’s a year-by-year table from PGA Tour records up to 2021, plus senior highlights.
| Year | Earnings (US$) | Notes |
| 1994-95 | 20,652 | Early PGA starts |
| 2001-02 | 2,617,004 | U.S. Open win |
| 2003-04 | 3,885,573 | Career-high year |
| 2004-05 | 3,494,106 | Repeat U.S. Open |
| 2009-10 | 3,218,089 | Transitions win |
| 2017-18 | 545,364 | Steady play |
| 2020-21 | 6,810 | Limited events |
| 2025 | 330,000+ | Sanford win |
| Career | 31,301,519 | PGA Tour total |
Career Earnings
Full career earnings table mirrors prize money, dominated by 2001-2005 prime (over $15M). Senior circuit adds $2M+ since 2019.
| Year | Earnings (US$) | Tournaments | Wins | Top 10s |
| 2001-02 | 2,617,004 | 15 | 1 | 3 |
| 2002-03 | 3,166,373 | 19 | 1 | 2 |
| 2003-04 | 3,885,573 | 16 | 2 | 3 |
| 2004-05 | 3,494,106 | 18 | 1 | 3 |
| 2005-06 | 2,617,453 | 18 | 1 | 2 |
| 2009-10 | 3,232,650 | 20 | 1 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1,859,085 | Senior | 1 | – |
| Total | 31,301,519 | 346 | 7 | 22 |
Endorsements
Retief Goosen landed big endorsement deals early, sticking with TaylorMade-Adidas since 1988 for clubs, bag, shoes, and hat—especially after his 2001 U.S. Open boosted his value. He uses Odyssey/Callaway putters now, like the one named “Tracy” for clutch moments.
Past links included apparel and gear giants, paying millions yearly in his peak, though he keeps it low-key compared to flashier stars. Wine from his Goose Estate also pulls sponsorships, tying into his South African roots.
Career Records
Goosen holds solid marks: two U.S. Opens (2001 vs. Mark Brooks playoff; 2004 vs. Phil Mickelson), European Tour Order of Merit 2001-02 (first non-European), 250+ weeks top-10 OWGR, peaking No. 3. Notable opponents in finals/key battles include Brooks (playoff win), Mickelson (2-stroke edge), Tiger Woods (beat him at Tour Championship 2004, Presidents Cup), Ernie Els (rival South African, multiple shared events), Vijay Singh (Chrysler win). Senior major: 2019 Bridgestone. 40 pro wins total.
| Record/Event | Opponent(s) | Result/Year |
| U.S. Open | Mark Brooks | Won playoff/2001 |
| U.S. Open | Phil Mickelson | Won by 2/2004 |
| Tour Championship | Tiger Woods | Won by 4/2004 |
| BellSouth Classic | Jesper Parnevik | Won by 4/2002 |
| Chrysler Championship | Vijay Singh | Won by 3/2003 |
| Senior Players Champ | Jay Haas, Tim Petrovic | Won by 2/2019 |
FAQs
1. Who is Retief Goosen?
Retief Goosen is a South African professional golfer nicknamed “The Goose.” He turned pro in 1990 and has amassed around 40 professional wins worldwide, including victories on the PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, and Asian Tour.
2. When and where was Retief Goosen born?
Retief Goosen was born on February 3, 1969, in Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg), South Africa. He began playing golf young, influenced by his father, an amateur golfer.
3. How many major championships has Retief Goosen won?
Retief Goosen has won two major championships, both U.S. Opens in 2001 at Southern Hills Country Club (via playoff over Mark Brooks) and 2004 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (by two strokes over Phil Mickelson). He also secured a senior major at the 2019 Bridgestone Senior Players Championship.
4. What are Retief Goosen’s notable career achievements?
Goosen won the European Tour Order of Merit in 2001 and 2002, becoming the first non-European to claim it. He reached a career-high world ranking of No. 3 in 2006, stayed in the top 10 for over 250 weeks, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2019.
5. How many PGA Tour wins does Retief Goosen have?
Retief Goosen has seven PGA Tour victories, including the 2001 U.S. Open, 2004 U.S. Open, and 2009 Transitions Championship. He won at least one PGA Tour event annually from 2001 to 2005.
6. What is Retief Goosen’s physical profile and swing?
Retief Goosen stands 5’11” tall and weighs 185 lbs. He swings right-handed and is known for his consistent ball-striking and calm demeanor under pressure.
7. Who is Retief Goosen’s wife and does he have children?
Retief Goosen married Tracy Goosen (née Pottick) in 2001; she is from the UK. They have two children: son Leo James (born 2003) and daughter Ella Ann (born 2004).
8. What are Retief Goosen’s career earnings?
Retief Goosen has earned over $31.3 million in official career prize money on the PGA Tour and related tours. His peak earning seasons included 2003-04 with nearly $3.9 million.
9. What has Retief Goosen done recently on the Champions Tour?
Now 57, Goosen competes mainly on the PGA Tour Champions, with four wins, including the Sanford International in 2025. In 2026, he has logged top-10 finishes like T4 and T7.
10. What is Retief Goosen involved in outside of golf?
Goosen owns The Goose wine estate in South Africa’s Garden Route and founded the Retief Goosen Charitable Foundation, supporting charities like SADGA, MAD, Kenako, and Gansies Pre-school in South Africa.