Louis Oosthuizen has built up quite the resume throughout his underrated career. Yet, it still surprises some when his name reaches the top of the leaderboard.
Oosthuizen has won eight times on the European Tour, including the 2010 British Open by seven shots. He has also lost two other major championships in a playoff, and has consistently been a top-30 player in the world rankings over the last seven years.
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Through two rounds this week, Oosthuizen has been nearly unflappable at TPC Sawgrass, which is why he is tied for the lead through two rounds at 9 under. Despite all of his success, Oosthuizen has yet to win an event on U.S. soil.
"If you can help me there, it would be great," Oosthuizen told reporters in regards to finally winning on the PGA Tour. "I've come close a few times, and I've felt I've played really well. You know, so it's something I don't really want to think about, but you do now and then think about it. You know, like I say, I've played well, and it's odd not to think about that I haven't won on U.S. soil.
"Hopefully I can change all that this week."
Injuries have played a factor in Oosthuizen's inability to seal the deal in the States. Back injuries have plagued him over the years, which has kept him out of action at times. Now healthy, Oosthuizen is ready to utilize his silky swing to its fullest extent.
"I think it's always great coming in (to an event) with good form and knowing you're hitting the ball well," Oosthuizen said. "You know, it's tough around here if you know you're struggling with your game. It's going to be a tough week. I just think it's a week where, like a major week, it's all on how you mentally go about it and just stay in the moment and try your best every shot."
Oosthuizen has not found much success at the Players throughout his career. His best finish came in 2013 when he tied for 19th, but that doesn't bother the South African star.
"I think, you know, the history about the tournament, the golf course, everything about it, you see it as another major week of golf or for being a professional, and this is definitely one of the courses that you try and up your game and just give it that little bit more for the week and try and win the championship," he said. "I think that enough is a lot of motivation. Doesn't matter what your golf game looks like."
Oosthuizen will be in the final pairing Saturday with Kyle Stanley as he tries to position himself for his first PGA Tour win.
