South African Jarvis wins back-to-back European titles
Casey Jarvis claimed back-to-back European Tour victories when he won the South African Open by three shots in Stellenbosch on Sunday.
The 22-year-old South African, also a three-stroke winner last Sunday in the Kenyan Open, retained his overnight lead throughout the final round to post a three-under 67 for a total of 266.
Spaniard Francesco Laporta (69), Frederic Lacroix from France (65) and South African Hennie du Plessis (69) shared second place.
Victory was particularly sweet for Jarvis as it earned him places in the Masters next month and the British Open in July. His appearance at Augusta will be the first in a major.
"I have dreamt of competing in the Masters since I was 10," said Jarvis, who turned professional four years ago. Winning in Kenya was his maiden European Tour victory.
"I am so looking forward to playing with the best golfers in the world and seeing where I stand," said the Johannesburg-based champion.
"Augusta was on my mind ahead of the final round. I tried to forget about the Masters, but could not do so.
"Winning the South African Open is absolutely incredible. It does not get any better than succeeding in front of so many South Africans," added Jarvis.
Jarvis birdied four holes and bogeyed one during a final round in which he held off constant pressure, particularly from Du Plessis and Laporta. The gap narrowed to one shot at times.
His path to victory was delayed before playing the final hole when the threat of lightning led to a 25-minute hold-up.
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