Golf fans knew little of Louis Oosthuizen before his surprise British Open win in July. They haven't seen much of the South African since.
A freak ankle injury in September interrupted the 28-year-old Oosthuizen's memorable season, but he is now ready to ''kick on'' from his triumph at St. Andrews after an enforced break - a break he says did him more good than harm.
Oosthuizen tore ligaments in his left ankle on a hunting trip when he stepped in a pothole chasing a wounded buck. It led, unexpectedly, to a welcome rest.
''I would like to have played a bit more after the (British) Open but also it was so hectic for the four weeks after the Open that I think the injury came at a good time,'' Oosthuizen said at South Africa's $5 million Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City.
''I had a nice break, taking a lot in and just spending a bit of time at home, so in a way I think it worked out nicely. But I want to play more now ... yes, I want to kick on.''
Oosthuizen made a flying start in his first Nedbank Challenge, making three birdies in his first four holes for the early lead on Thursday. He slipped to 1 under and a tie for seventh, his start spoilt by a mid-round double bogey, but there are signs of gradual improvement.
A month ago, he had made a troubled, and premature, return in early November at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai, China - tying for 72nd at 13 over and struggling with the injury. But another month of physio and gym work on the ankle, which is still in a brace when he plays, and Oosthuizen feels in far better shape at Sun City.
''I was very anxious to get back on the course,'' he said. ''The HSBC was probably pushing it a bit. The first round was fine, but then I got so tired on the second round. We strapped it (the ankle) differently for the fourth round and it helped, but it was still not too great.
''(But) It's strong now. In the last six rounds it hasn't given me any troubles, so I am very confident.''
Although he has still only won two tournaments outside South Africa, the dominant 7-shot triumph at St. Andrews means he's comfortable competing with players like top-ranked Lee Westwood, who is also playing the Nedbank, and experienced South African major winners Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.
''Confidence-wise, every time I tee it up I want to win,'' Oosthuizen said. ''It's not always the case with the swing not being great ... but it (the British Open win) definitely made my mindset a bit different when I tee it up.''
