Casey Jarvis Opens Two-Shot Lead at St Andrews

Tom Gallagher · 2026-10-03T17:20:34.498Z

Jarvis made that eagle from 103 yards look easy and his 65 has put real pressure on everyone else.

Casey Jarvis Opens Two-Shot Lead at St Andrews — Photo: Professional Golfers' Association (Great Britain and Ireland) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Sponsored

Casey Jarvis holed out from 103 yards for an eagle on his first hole Saturday at St Andrews and shot a 65 to reach 18 under par, opening a two-shot lead over Matthew Jordan at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Thomas Detry is at 15 under. Jarvis improved each day with a 66 at Carnoustie, a 67 at Kingsbarns and the 65 at the Old Course. On Friday he took a one-stroke lead after six birdies in seven holes on the Kingsbarns front nine and a final-hole birdie. "I played really nicely," Jarvis said. "My approach play was really good, I rolled in a few putts on my front nine, and I just felt really in control out there." He added: "You watch The Open growing up as a kid, and now to be in contention in a tournament like this—I'm just looking forward to getting out there over the weekend." Jarvis already won the Magical Kenya Open and Investec South African Open this season, had a top-six finish at The Open, and seeks a third DP World Tour title and first Dunhill Links title. Branden Grace was the last South African to win it, in 2012. After a second-round 68 on the Old Course, MJ Daffue said: "It's great to be here with so many South Africans—it's one big family and a tight-knit community." He also said: "My game has been trending in a good way and I love links golf. After a year and a half of grinding, things are coming together. Now I feel like I'm playing every tournament to win." Daniel Cronje, Brandon Stone, Daniel van Tonder, JC Ritchie and Hennie du Plessis were within four shots after two rounds.