Southampton, N.Y. – When the last putt had finally dropped at the 72nd hole and the 104th U.S. Open was at last in his possession Retief Goosen took off his cap and tipped it at the hole.

The gesture, perhaps, was appropriate. Maybe it was one last salute to the greens that had been rather kind in a week where Shinnecock Hills Golf Club became one giant brute of an Open venue.

For Goosen, it was a sign that he finished off the accomplishment without requiring extra golf.

"It was more we've done it on Sunday this time and didn't have to come back on Monday," said Goosen, explaining the tribute before accepting the U.S. Open trophy for the second time in three years. "It's a great feeling. I'm not somebody who will jump up and down, but on the inside, I'm just so happy." More...