I played my best - but there’s a long way to go

Goosen, who only won a spot at the Major after winning a qualifier, put himself straight into contention with an opening round of 66 at the Old Course.

The 2001 and 2004 US Open champion’s round saw him flirt with the top of the leaderboard.

But the South African says he’s content to have simply put himself in the mix going into the second day.

He said: “It’s definitely one of the best rounds I’ve played here at St Andrews.

“But there’s a long way to go.

“Mentally you need to be very strong and we’ll just take it one day at a time and see what the weather is going to do.”

Tomorrow’s weather was the subject on the lips of almost every golfer after walking off the 18th.

The players are expected to have to compete against swirling winds and rain as the Heavens open over the Old Course.

“The temperature in the last 45 minutes suddenly dropped,” said Goosen.

“It can be sunny one moment and really cold the next.”

Should he be able to handle the conditions tomorrow, then Goosen’s opening round score should see him safely through the cut and into the weekend.

And once he’s there - who knows what fate may have in store.

“Maybe there is some good coming,” he said.

“I would like to be there come Sunday and maybe have a chance.

“Who knows?

“It would be great.”