Louis Oosthuizen has basked in the glory of his maiden Major Championship win at St Andrews, but is now ready for a return to the nitty-gritty of The European Tour circuit.
The South African beat Lee Westwood by seven shots in The Open Championship, and was afforded the acclaim that comes with such a commanding winning margin in such a prestigious tournament, enjoying celebrations and commemorations from the clubs that have helped him get to the top.
"It was good fun," said the 27 year old as he prepared for the WGC - Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.
"Mossel Bay Golf Club put on a great party for me and then the town I grew up in, Albertinia Golf Club, where I learned to play golf, also put on something special.
"They built a little bridge over the ninth hole and they dedicated it to me.
"Everything has been special. My parents on the farm made a big banner when I got there in front of my gates saying ‘the home of the Claret Jug', so it was quite special when I drove in there. I didn't know about it.
"Whenever I still look at the jug, you've got that little bit of a tear and the same time you get that joyful feeling. It's been a dream come true.
"You have this picture in your mind what it's going to be like after a major win, and I think it was 10 times what I expected, 10 times more."
Oosthuizen reports that he has allowed himself the pleasure of watching his final round of 71 among his friends and family.
On reflection, he is astonished with how well he managed to maintain high standards right through to the home stretch.
He said: "On Friday night back in South Africa when all my friends and family were there, we were sitting around the fireplace, and they actually put on round four from the eighth hole.
"It actually sunk in a bit more then, seeing what happened. You know, I knew I was swinging it well when I played those last holes, but watching it on TV, I can actually see I was very comfortable.
"I didn't think that it looked that way. I thought it was going to look like I was more tense.
"But the tee shots I hit coming down 14, 15, 16, 17; I think my play off the tee was just tremendous."
Oosthuizen may marvel at his powers of concentration on the Sunday at The Old Course, but reiterates that once he is back with a club in his hand all the side issues are forgotten.
"If you're on the course you just want to get out there and play. I think off the golf course my mind is probably going to go all over the place thinking about lots of things.
"But you're always going to have that in your back head that you've won a Major and you can do well in them. I don't think I'm going to think too much about the previous eight or nine (Major Championships).
"Once you're on the golf course, this is a funny game. You can get days where you can try your hardest but it's just not working, and other days you can just hit the ball and you'll shoot 66.
"On the course it's just going to go shot for shot. Whatever happens, happens."
World Number Six and compatriot Ernie Els reserved words of high praise for Oosthuizen as he made his own preparations for the tournament in Firestone.
Els believes that although Oosthuizen has won both The Open and The Open de Andalucia de Golf in close order, keeping his feet on the ground will not prove a problem.
"I've known Louis a long time," said the three-time Major winner. "It's one of those clichés, but he's still the same guy, from when he was 15 when I met him to today when he's 27. He's just a little bit of a better golfer!
"He's very well grounded. We were together last week in South Africa, actually went to his golf club where they honoured him. It was an absolute circus.
"But he's taking it in his stride, and I think he'll continue doing that.
"Although he's won a couple of times (before The Open), he won small events. but still, I knew how much talent the guy had."
