On Monday last week Greg Hearmon embraced his boss Retief Goosen after he sunk the final putt in the play-off against Mark Brooks for the 101st US Open title.

The South African combination had defied the odds in capturing Goosen's first major in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The heat may have reminded the Southern Africans of home, but the lack of enthusiasm from the local crowd for his par saving qualities certainly did not. As Brooks made a last gasp effort by holing a putt for birdie on the 17th, the American crowd gave him a final boost with a huge roar, they were definitely on a foreign continent. A win in the States is always more gratifying than anywhere else. " had made a comeback to caddying last year after a few years recess in Durban. His long-time friend, Glen Murray had put him in touch with Goosen after he decided to work for the Spanish wunderkind, Sergio Garcia. Glen had caddied for Goosen for six years, got the chance with 'the kid " and decided he would take it. He did not leave his old boss on bad terms and indeed he assumed the responsibility of finding a replacement. Greg was ready and waiting.

"Helpful" had made a pretty ignominious departure from Europe at the end of 1996. He had worked for one of the gentlemen of the tour - the Spaniard, Domingo Hospital. Without much success, he decided to go back to his bookmaking business in Durban. His sobriquet had changed after the British Masters in Collingtree that year.

As it rained during the final round, the South African had unwittingly held the umbrella over Hospital as he tapped in a putt of six inches. No one in the group had noticed, but an astute television viewer had spotted the infringement Greg's schooldays nick-name of "Helpful" sounded better than "Mary Poppins" so by the time he reappeared on the European tour in May of 2000m Heamon was relieved to find that the more recent alias had been forgotten.

Like so many of his fellow countrymen the prospect of some overseas travel brought Greg to Europe. and in three years he gained some invaluable green reading experience with his boss Domingo Hospital.

Anyone who watched the US Open will have noticed the diligent Hearmon stalking all the putts before the combined consultation which frequently resulted in Retief holing the putt.

Goosen has always felt at home on these surfaces. He can only remember one putt that they disagreed on, where they both compromised and Retief ended up hitting it straight with the desired result.

This was the trend for the week to which Hearmon attributes the ultimate success. They always seemed to end up with the perfect yardage.

The fact that they were both agreeing in the decision making process with success gave the other confidence.

So when I asked "Helpful" what his boss had changed last week to seal victory he said nothing in particular apart from exceptional putting, having a calm and relaxed demeanour and chipping really well.

He had obviously played a lot of matchplay as an amateur and had always expected his opponent to sink a putt. As a seasoned caddie the three putt on the final hole by Goosen didn't come as a complete surprise either.

He understood and accepted the mishap straight away. Being the modest soul he is he took no credit for the putter decision from infront of the 18th green in the play off. It was Goosen's call and Greg was not going to disagree. Sometimes silence is an invaluable quality in a caddie. A very good choice on hind-sight.

Just as he captured the Lancome Trophy with Goosen last year, the US Open title was an even bigger boon.

The ultimate success that we all dream of as caddies couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. When I put it to "Helpful" that it may have changed his life he was quick to dismiss my suggestion.

"There are three things that don't last in life", he retorted "dogs that chase parked cars, pros that putt for pars and caddies who think they're superstars."

As the South African duo sealed victory on the 18th green on Monday last, the teams good friend "Hopper" was there to enjoy their success.