South African · Mossel Bay, South Africa · Born 19 October 1982South African golfer who won the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews by 7 strokes and has since finished runner-up at every other major championship.
Lodewicus Theodorus Oosthuizen was born on 19 October 1982 in Mossel Bay, South Africa, and turned professional in 2002, developing into one of the most consistently frustrated near-champions in major championship history, becoming the only golfer ever to finish runner-up at all four major tournaments. Oosthuizen, nicknamed "Shrek," delivered a dominant, wire-to-wire victory at the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews, winning by seven shots for his sole major title, before enduring a remarkable run of heartbreaking near-misses, including a play-off loss at the 2012 Masters that would have completed a career Grand Slam. Oosthuizen finished runner-up at the 2015 and 2021 U.S. Opens, the 2015 Open Championship, and the 2017 and 2021 PGA Championships, reaching a career-high world ranking of fourth in January 2013 despite the majors continuing to narrowly elude him. Oosthuizen has continued competing on the Asian and Sunshine Tours after joining the LIV Golf series, remaining one of South Africa's most talented modern players despite a major championship résumé that could easily have included several more titles.
2010 Open Championship winner; runner-up in all four majors
How They Played
Methodical, accurate ball-striker with excellent putting
Lasting Impact
Smooth swing and consistent major championship contender
Career Honours
- 2010 Open Championship
- runner-up 2012 Masters, 2015 & 2021 US Open, 2015 Open, 2017 & 2021 PGA Championship
South African Athletes