Casey Jarvis enjoying ‘surreal’ Masters debut

You've seen the action unfold on TV over many years, can picture the signature holes, but what's it like to actually step out and take to the course at Augusta National for the first time?

Well, for Casey Jarvis, that is a question that the South African is perhaps better placed than most to answer as he spends the early part of this week accustomising himself with new surroundings ahead of his Masters debut.

The 23-year-old - the youngest professional in the field for the first men's Major Championship of the year - played his first full practice round at Augusta on Sunday and admits it is a memory he will never forget.

"I just tried to take everything in," he told the DP World Tour.

"Honestly, it was one of the best experiences.

"I also got to play with Matt Fitzpatrick. He's been playing unreal golf so I think that made it even better."

One of nine DP World Tour members making their first Masters start this week, Jarvis goes from being an intrigued onlooker to an active participant. A career goal fulfilled.

"It definitely exceeded expectations," he adds, speaking from his rented house.

"Watching it on TV and then being here... honestly, everything is surreal to me."

Having already played the front nine in practice on Saturday, Jarvis was left particularly taken by the challenge posed by the back nine at Augusta National.

While the walk through Amen Corner may be pleasant to the eye, the demands the course poses down the stretch can't be downplayed.

"Brutal but also super cool," was the verdict from a smiling Jarvis as to how he found the back nine during his Sunday practice round.

Even for Jarvis's close friend and caddie, Conrad Loubser, it was a thrill unlike any other he has experienced on a golf course.

"It was an experience of a lifetime," he says. "[Driving along] Magnolia Lane was unbelievable."

Jarvis heads into his second appearance at a Major Championship high in confidence after winning twice - over back-to-back weeks - earlier this year.

After claiming his breakthrough DP World Tour title in Kenya, he then went and won on home soil at the Investec South African Open Championship, sealing a Masters invite as a result.

Jarvis' parents and sister Courtney are among those who have made the trip to the United States for his Masters bow.

Part of the enduring appeal of attending the Masters in person is the chance to visit the shop with a view to bringing back momentos and merchandise.

Among the initial shopping spree - totalling almost £1,000 - by Jarvis' dad, Kevin, were a pin flag, t-shirts, a jumper, markers for friends, caps and a "prized" backpack.

"That was £980 well spent!," he said.

On Monday, Jarvis continued his on-course preparations alongside countryman Charl Schwartzel, winner at Augusta in 2011.

Understandbly delighted just be part of the field for the first time, Jarvis will be intent on making an impression and not letting the opportunity in front of him pass him by.

If is success in 2026 is anthing to go by, he won't fall short.