Was struck by lightning as an amateur in South Africa.

Introduced to golf at age 9 by his estate agent father, a 10-handicapper.

Is involved in course design work with projects including The Legend Golf & Safari Resort in South Africa and Dayi Smokey Mountain Resort in China.

Maintains a journal which can be found on his website, retiefgoosen.com. Spends a lot of time when home on his vineyard by the Outeniqua Mountain range near George, South Africa.

Won 1990 South African Amateur Championship.