Two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen will play his first event since August in Durban this week following back surgery. Goosen, part of the elite field at the Volvo Golf Champions, on Tuesday described it as “a scary decision” to replace a disc that had “totally disintegrated really”. The 43-year-old South African, who had the operation in London, stated: “The day after surgery I was walking and a week later my back was feeling good. “It’s still feeling great – I’m getting a bit tight from hitting a few rounds in the last couple of weeks and played about six rounds of golf in the last couple of weeks, but so far still good. “I’m very excited about the new year. I don’t really know what to expect – you’re feeling good and sort of keen to play again after five months. “I like Durban Country Club – I lost by a shot to Ernie (Els) in the SA Open – and hopefully that will help me this week. “I’m not really sitting here expecting to win, but you never know in this game.” Goosen will also remember losing a play-off along with Els to their compatriot Branden Grace in this event at Fancourt last January.
