Saying “shank” on a golf course is an unpardonable sin. So is invoking the name Jean Van de Velde – when a little-known player has a lead in a major championship.

But it’s hard to ignore the similarities between the Frenchman and current British Open leader Louis Oosthuizen. Eleven years ago in the British Open, Van de Velde was five strokes clear of the lead. We all know what happened.

His collapse at Carnoustie was equal parts historic, tragic, and comedic – a triple bogey on the final hole to fall into a playoff. Paul Lawrie, who started the final round 10 strokes back, won his one and only major championship, and Van de Velde, now 44, has barely been heard from since.

So far through five holes at St. Andrews, Oosthuizen has looked rock solid. He recovered from his first wobble, a pulled approach at No. 5 that landed in the hay.

He’s even par for the day and no one is coming to get him.