Young golfers take a swing at the big leagues in Asia
HE HAS dominated golf in the US, Europe and Africa and now 11-year-old Casey Jarvis of Joburg has his eyes firmly set on taking the reins in Asia.
Casey, together with many other young South African golfers, will be heading to Malaysia in December to compete at the Kids Golf World Championship. The tournament, which is one of the most prestigious junior golf events in the world, will see more than 400 youngsters between the ages of five and 18 from more than 20 countries competing.
The tournament is in the city of Johor Baru and will run from December 8 to 12.
The championship is the international version of the prestigious US Kids Golf tournament and provides an opportunity for young people to compete in a world championship in their quest to become future top professional players.
In last year’s World Championship, South Africa excelled: Junior Amilkar Bhana won the 9year-old category and La-Velle Clark-Halket came in third in the 8-year age group.
Garrick Higgo also cemented third place in the group for 12- to 14-year-olds while Petrus Francois Jansen secured fourth place in the category for 11-year-olds.
Casey is hoping to continue South Africa’s domination in the tournament with a win in this year’s World Championship.
“I am really excited about competing in Malaysia.
“The Asian junior golfers are the best right now. It’s always nice to compete against top players,” said Casey.
The Parkrand Primary School pupil said he was aiming for nothing less than a win.
“I always believe I can win. I have won in Africa, Europe and the US, so winning on the Asian continent will be awesome.”
Casey secured wins at the Optimist World Golf Championships in Florida, US, in July and went on to win the Africa Junior Challenge in September. It will be the first time he travels to Malaysia.
“I’m always nervous leading up to a big tournament, but also super excited to play against the best,” the youngster from Boksburg said.
“We play under pressured situations once a month with SA Kids Golf, so I think I’ll be okay.”
Casey, who began playing golf at the age of 3, said he looked up to Irish golfer Rory Mcilroy for inspiration.
“I love his attitude and passion on the golf course,” said Jarvis.
“Locally, I like Jaco Ahlers. I was lucky enough to play with him at the SA Open Pro-Am. He was so motivating and inspirational.”
Casey’s dad, Kevin, said he was immensely proud of his son.
“His hard work and dedication during the long hours of practice has helped him achieve so much so early.”
Kevin believes his son has a bright future in golf if he continues to work hard.
“I would like to say yes, but we both know it’s the hardest way to make an easy living. There are so many good players nowadays. It’s all about hard work because nothing comes easy.”
Casey said his dream was to one day play golf professionally.
“That’s my goal and dream. The PGA Tour would be the ultimate dream come true.”