South Africa’s Casey Jarvis will make his debut at The Masters thanks to his victory in the Investec South African Open, and amidst what has been a remarkable past few weeks for the young star.
Question: Casey, you’re playing in The Masters. How does that feel?
Casey: To win the SA Open in front of my dad and in front of my home crowd was absolutely fantastic. And then to be going to The Masters – it’s a dream come true. It’s been my dream since I was a kid to play at Augusta National. It was hard not to think about it in the final round at the SA Open. I feel on top of the world. I can’t wait to get to Augusta and see how my game compares with the best players in the world. It’s so cool. I’ve got no words to describe the feeling.
Question: What have been some of your favourite Masters memories?
Casey: Growing up I obviously watched Tiger Woods at The Masters and his chip-in on 16, that par-three when he missed it long and left. That was one of the coolest moments. And then to watch him win The Masters in 2019.
Question: You also received a pretty special letter of congratulations?
Casey: Gary Player sent me a personal letter of congratulations and said he was looking forward to welcoming me at The Masters, which is pretty cool. I may be playing with him in the Par 3 contest, which will be incredible.
Question: Winning the SA Open means you have your name on that trophy alongside greats like Gary Player?
Casey: It was 100% a dream of mine growing up to win the SA Open. I’ve watched it over the years. I volunteered at it the year Rory McIlroy came out to play in 2017. To join those amazing names on the trophy – I’m super grateful.
Question: It was such an incredible three weeks for you in February and March. Have you had some time to reflect on it all, realise what you’ve achieved, and what you’ve learnt?
Casey: It was an unbelievable three weeks of winning the Kenya Open on the DP World Tour, winning the Investec South African Open and then finishing second in the Joburg Open. I would have loved to also lift that trophy in Joburg. I think I can walk away with a lot of confidence knowing I can play this game. I’ve learnt to really manage my game well and play under big pressure. I can take a lot of positives from it all.
Question: You had the chance at the Joburg Open to join Sir Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros as the only golfers to have won three successive tournaments on the DP World Tour. Were you thinking about that?
Casey: Not really. I was just focused on winning the tournament and putting myself in a good position going into the back nine and I did that pretty well. It just wasn’t my day and in a way it was tough to take. But I didn’t think I would’ve been in that position three weeks before that having come first, first and second, so I still feel on top of the world.
