No, Louis Oosthuizen has not been asked to ascend to be the supreme ruler of South Africa to help defend the country from invasion as Cincinnatus did during the early stages of the Roman Empire. Nor is he painting himself green and flashing that gap-toothed grin for a Shrek promotion. He did, however, answer the call of duty to play in last year’s Open Championship—he went, he saw, he conquered, and then went home and bought a tractor to work his farm.
On two occasions, Cincinnatus was asked to leave his farm to be the absolute ruler of the Roman Empire. Rather than being drunk with power; in both instances, Cincinnatus immediately resigned his authority to go back to his farm. Clearly, he felt more comfortable in his humble surroundings than amidst the politics of Rome. The same can be said for Oosthuizen. Growing up on a farm in Mossel Bay, South Africa has left an indelible impression on Oosthuizen. Despite falling in love with golf and tennis early on, he has not abandoned his love for farm life. Ernie Els’ foundation gave Louis the financial backing that allowed his golf game to develop and flourish—a debt of that Louis can never fully repay, but nevertheless, will always be appreciated.
At the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011, Oosthuizen has spent his time supporting the European tour, specifically, stops in South Africa. So instead of chasing big dollars at the PGA’s opening event in Hawaii, Louis opted for Buffalo City, South Africa. Again, he went, he saw and conquered. Unlike the cruise control win at the Open Championship, this one required a playoff, and marked his first European tour win on his home soil. Much has been said about Oosthuizen’s decision to split his schedule between both the PGA and European tour. John Feinstein has already called it a “terrible” decision, noting all the road pizza of those who have chased money around the world after winning a major. Regardless of how 2011 turns out, you can be sure that Louis will end up on his John Deere. Somewhere, Cincinnatus will be smiling.
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