In the world of professional golf, where precision and power define careers, Louis Oosthuizen stands as a testament to consistent excellence. Yet, beyond the lush fairways and strategic bunkers, this South African champion harbors a lesser-known, yet equally fascinating, passion: an affinity for the automotive world that extends far beyond typical luxury vehicles.
His personal garage, while featuring the high-performance machinery one might expect of a globe-trotting athlete, also reveals a refreshingly practical, and indeed, quite unique side to his vehicular tastes. It’s a collection that speaks volumes about his roots and his lifestyle, embodying a blend of speed, utility, and surprising personal preference.
Join us as we take a deep dive into Louis Oosthuizen’s intriguing fleet, examining the powerful machines that carry him on and off the course. We’ll also explore a remarkable institution, The Nethercutt Collection, which stands as a shining example of automotive preservation, providing a backdrop to the extraordinary world that captivates car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
1. **Louis Oosthuizen’s Mercedes-Benz Vehicles**As a prominent figure in the sports world, Louis Oosthuizen’s association with prestigious automotive brands comes as no surprise. He holds a significant endorsement deal, serving as a brand ambassador for the globally recognized luxury car manufacturer, Mercedes. This partnership underscores the connection between high-performance sports and automotive excellence.
His personal vehicle lineup proudly features not one, but two Mercedes-Benz automobiles. This choice reflects a clear appreciation for the German marque’s reputation for engineering prowess, sophisticated design, and the seamless blend of comfort and dynamic performance that defines the brand. For an athlete of Oosthuizen’s stature, a Mercedes-Benz offers a compelling package of reliability, luxury, and a strong statement of success.
2. **Louis Oosthuizen’s BMW Sports Car**Adding another layer to his collection of prestigious European automobiles, Louis Oosthuizen also counts a BMW sports car among his prized possessions. BMW, renowned for its ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ philosophy, consistently delivers vehicles that thrill with their precision handling, robust engines, and engaging driving dynamics.
For a professional athlete who understands the importance of control and performance, the inclusion of a BMW sports car in his garage is a natural fit. It speaks to a preference for a spirited driving experience, where the connection between driver and road is paramount. This choice complements his other high-end vehicles, solidifying his taste for automotive engineering at its finest.
3. **Louis Oosthuizen’s McLaren Sports Racing Car**Perhaps the most exhilarating entry in Louis Oosthuizen’s impressive personal fleet is his McLaren sports racing car. This British manufacturer is synonymous with elite motorsport and groundbreaking automotive technology, producing some of the most exclusive and performance-oriented vehicles on the planet.
Owning a McLaren signifies a true appreciation for cutting-edge engineering, lightweight construction, and blistering speed. These cars are often described as race cars for the road, offering an unparalleled driving experience that appeals to enthusiasts who demand the absolute pinnacle of automotive performance. For Oosthuizen, it’s a tangible expression of his own pursuit of excellence, translating his competitive drive from the golf course to the open road.
4. **Louis Oosthuizen’s Tractors and the Farm Connection**Beyond the gleaming luxury sedans and high-octane sports cars, Louis Oosthuizen’s collection takes a delightful, practical turn with the inclusion of multiple tractors. This aspect of his vehicle ownership is deeply rooted in his personal history, having grown up on a small farm in Albertina, South Africa.
His love for farming endures, as evidenced by his current residence plans in Ocala, Florida, where he and his family purchased an 86-acre farmhouse that they are renovating. The tractors are not mere showpieces but essential tools for managing his land, allowing him to stay connected to his agricultural heritage and enjoy the hands-on work of farm life. This practical passion was notably highlighted when, after his monumental win at the 2010 British Open, he invested a significant portion of his prize money into a customized tractor for his farm back in South Africa.
5. **The Unexpected Excavator: Oosthuizen’s Unique Prize**In a remarkable and truly unique turn of events, Louis Oosthuizen acquired perhaps the most unconventional vehicle in his collection: an excavator. This came about during the Volvo Champions tournament in Durban, South Africa, where his exceptional second-round score of 8-under 64, which included a long birdie putt on the final green, secured him the lead.
His stellar performance not only put him atop the leaderboard but also helped him, along with his pro-am partners, win the pro-am event, the prize for which was a car. However, Oosthuizen, ever the pragmatist with a touch of humor, had a different machine in mind. He directly approached the organizers and successfully negotiated a swap, trading the car for an excavator, which had originally been the prize for a hole-in-one on the 15th.
Explaining his reasoning, Oosthuizen candidly admitted, “I’ve been nagging my wife for a few years that I want something on the farm as there are a few stumps and things I need to get rid of.” His dedication to his farm and the practical needs of land management clearly outweighed the allure of another luxury vehicle. He further added, revealing his enthusiasm for his new acquisition, “And that’s why I stood over that putt on 18 for a bit longer than normal. So I’m going to play around with it and might dig out a few bunkers.” This story perfectly encapsulates his grounded personality and his genuine passion for the farm that is such an integral part of his life.
6. **The Nethercutt Collection: A Global Standard in Automotive Preservation**Shifting our focus from individual ownership to a grander scale of automotive passion, we arrive at The Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar, California. This extraordinary complex is not merely a museum; it is a “stunning showcase of functional fine art, where automotive history and engineering excellence converge in a breathtaking display.” Founded by J.B. Nethercutt in 1971, its centerpiece is a prestigious automobile collection that initially grew from J.B.’s personal acquisitions.
Widely acclaimed as “one of the greatest car museums in the world,” The Nethercutt Collection sets an unparalleled standard for vehicle preservation and presentation. Its expansion in 2000 with The Nethercutt Museum, a 40,000 square foot self-guided facility, broadened its accessibility to the public. The collection is further distinguished by its “world-class restoration and detailing shop,” which consistently produces vehicles that not only look magnificent but also remain fully operational.
What truly sets this collection apart, as observed by TV host and car enthusiast Jay Leno, is its vibrant dynamism. Leno famously noted, “Unlike most museums that are static, The Nethercutt Collection is truly kinetic, as all of the vehicles run, are driven regularly, and can be seen on the street as well as in the museum.” This commitment to maintaining every vehicle in running order transforms a static display into a living, breathing testament to automotive history, allowing visitors and enthusiasts to experience these masterpieces as they were meant to be.
