LIVING THE DREAM

or what seemed like an eternity, Erik Van Rooyen could only watch and wait to see whether he’d end the year in the world’s top 50 to qualify automatically for his Masters debut. He had downed tools after the season ended in Dubai, which left his position in some jeopardy. Monday mornings were spent checking the updated rankings to see if his points had “depreciated like a car”.

Fortunately for the South African, they held their value, and a few weeks later he got one of those fancy invites in the post from Augusta’s Board of Governors. Place secured.

Qualification came on the back of his most successful season on the European Tour to date. In August, he won his maiden title at the Scandinavian Invitation in Sweden, and he finished tenth in the Race to Dubai. There were three runner-up spots, too, and a top-ten finish at the USPGA Championship.