Jarvis takes two shot lead into final round at St Andrews

Photo: Michael Vlismas

Prescience Media: 

Casey Jarvis has given himself the chance to add another remarkable chapter to his breakthrough year, taking a two shot lead into the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.

The young South African produced a composed round of 65 on the Old Course on Saturday to reach 18 under par, putting himself within sight of a title that would rank among the biggest achievements of his career.

Jarvis has already enjoyed a year to remember, recording his first DP World Tour victories before making his Masters and Open Championship debuts. A victory at St Andrews would take that progress to another level.

“It’s a dream to be leading a tournament going into a Sunday on the Old Course,” Jarvis said.

“I’m just looking forward to walking these fairways on Sunday in the lead. I think whatever happens, I’m just going to give it my all and have fun.”

He certainly looked at ease on Saturday.

Jarvis began with an eagle on the par four 10th, holing out with his second shot before adding three birdies over his next four holes. Two more birdies on his second nine completed a round that was as much about control as it was scoring.

The biggest challenge came from the wind.

Conditions around the Old Course demanded precision, particularly off the tee, but Jarvis handled the difficult left to right breeze with the maturity that has increasingly become a feature of his game.

“I just felt like I was in total control today,” he said. “I normally struggle with the left to right wind off the tee and I managed it really well, and was really solid tee to green.

“And then luckily I rolled in a couple of good putts, so I’m very pleased.”

The 25th anniversary edition of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship also presents Jarvis with the opportunity to become only the second South African to win the prestigious title.

Branden Grace remains the only South African champion, having lifted the trophy in 2012.

Jarvis knows what is at stake, but his approach on Sunday will be shaped by the experience he has gained from winning earlier this year.

“It would be unbelievable to join a player like Branden as a winner of this tournament, but whatever happens happens,” he said.

“I’m just going to try and have a good night and then come out and give it my all on the final day. We all feel pressure leading a final round and I know the pressure will be there, it’s just about managing it.

“I know that winning earlier this year though will definitely help me.”

Now comes the walk every golfer dreams of.

A Sunday at St Andrews, with Jarvis at the top of the leaderboard and a major title within reach.