EVR wins, with heart and mind on dying best friend

Erik van Rooyen’s priority wasn’t just about his performance at the World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico. It was about his dear friend, Jon Trasamar.

Back in 2009, when van Rooyen left South Africa to attend college in Minnesota, he met Trasamar. As a 19-year-old, leaving home was challenging, especially coming from a small town with an underwhelming golf course. But Trasamar and his family were there to welcome van Rooyen at the airport. They soon became best friends.

While Van Rooyen pursued a professional golf career, Trasamar also played on the mini-tours. In 2022, Trasamar shared the joyful news that he was cancer-free. Sadly, the cancer returned, this time in stage 4 melanoma.

Given his friend’s critical condition and a potential career-defining day ahead, van Rooyen didn’t stress about the tournament. Seeing his friend was all that mattered. However, he knew he had to focus on his game first.

Van Rooyen’s final round started with a setback but quickly turned around with a series of remarkable birdies. He entered the 18^th hole tied for the lead and made an impressive eagle putt, securing a two-stroke victory.

After the win, van Rooyen emotionally embraced his caddie, Gaugert, seeking and providing support. The victory was significant for van Rooyen, who had struggled on the golf course throughout the year.

As he left Mexico with substantial earnings and various tournament invitations, van Rooyen’s focus shifted to his next destination: the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to visit his ailing friend. Playing a few rounds of golf with Trasamar meant more to him than anything else.

As van Rooyen expressed his love and longing for his friend, he cherished the golf victory, recognizing its impact on both their lives.