Casey Jarvis has enjoyed every minute of his debut in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
It is also a first DP World Tour event for the young South African professional in St Andrews this week.
Jarvis came through 36 holes of one of the biggest tournaments on the DP World Tour with his rounds of 67 and 76 for a 36-hole total of one under par and nine shots off the lead of England’s Richard Mansell.
The tournament is played over the three links courses of the Old Course, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie. Jarvis’ second-round 76 on the Old Course came during a brutal day of some of the most difficult weather in the history of this event, which many of the seasoned professionals in the field described as in the top three of the hardest conditions they’ve ever played in.
But the young star is still relishing his place in the field.
“I feel really blessed to be here this week. These golf courses are unbelievable to play and are in such good condition. Fortunately, I’ve had exposure of links golf before thanks to GolfRSA and tournaments we’ve played over here.”
Jarvis turned professional this year after a stellar amateur career and has played mostly on the Altron Big Easy Tour and Sunshine Tour before receiving an invitation to compete this week.
“It’s still early days in my professional career and I’m just focused on playing the same golf I played as an amateur. I want to have that same mindset of going out and having fun and not putting too much pressure on myself. I can see my performances are trending in the right direction and I just want to keep enjoying it.”
By Michael Vlismas
