The double U.S. Open champion carded a two-under-par 68 to share the first-round lead after a gruelling day of blustery winds and plunging temperatures at East Lake Golf Club.

Normally a picture of serenity, Goosen is desperate for a return to the winner's circle after a frustrating 2006 campaign and believes he is close to matching his impressive form of two years ago.

"It's just a question of trusting it out there," the 37-year-old South African told reporters after setting the pace in the PGA Tour's season-ending event with American Joe Durant.

"This year I have not putted well but, purely because I've been hitting the ball so far from the flag, I haven't had a chance of making any putts.

"You know, it's going to be a slow process. But I would say I'm probably back now to where I was in '04," added Goosen, who won the second of his U.S. Open titles at Shinnecock Hills two years ago.

The world number six missed the cut at last week's Chrysler Championship in Florida and has not produced a top-10 finish on the PGA Tour since the Wachovia Championship in May.

Two months ago, he started working with Florida-based swing coach Gregor Jameson and the move seems to be paying off sooner than expected.

"I've just not been hitting it well enough," Goosen added. "I felt maybe I should get somebody in there who's got a bit of an expert eye.

"It's been good with Gregor the way we've been going about it. We try to keep it simple. I know in my mind what I need to work on.

"There are no real swing changes with what we're trying to do. It's more set-up, posture and alignment-type of things."