‘Rejection’ from Tiger Woods inspires amateur Aaron Jarvis ahead of 2022 Masters

Rodd Baxley, Augusta Chronicle
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Aaron Jarvis experienced the best rejection of his life Sunday afternoon at Augusta National.

While playing a practice round ahead of the 2022 Masters Tournament, the 19-year-old noticed Tiger Woods on the course. Without hesitation, the amateur golfer made his move toward the 15-time major champion.

“I saw Tiger kind of hop out in front of me. There’s no better 'no' – or better rejection – than from Tiger Woods, right? So I thought I’d give it a shot,” said Jarvis, who won the Latin America Amateur in January to qualify for the 86th Masters.

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Aaron Jarvis hits on No. 13 during Monday's practice round at Augusta National. Kyle Terada-Augusta Chronicle-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Jarvis hits on No. 13 during Monday's practice round at Augusta National. Kyle Terada-Augusta Chronicle-USA TODAY Sports

“I ran up to him through the woods and asked, ‘Mr. Woods, are you playing by yourself or can we join?’ He’s like, ‘I’m just gonna play by myself today.’

"But it was pretty cool to see him kind of play in front of me. After the round, we got to talk to him and (Woods’ caddie Joe LaCava) for 10 minutes or so, and it was just incredible.”

As for the advice Jarvis received from Woods, Jarvis said the five-time Masters champion stressed preparation and told him to “be yourself, go out and have fun” this week.

“If you do the right preparation, everything will kind of take care of itself,” Jarvis said during his Monday press conference. “It’s just incredible talking to Tiger and hopefully I get to talk to him in the future as well.”

Keita Nakajima surveys the No. 3 green during Monday's practice round at the Masters. Katie Goodale- The Augusta Chronicle-USA TODAY Sport
Keita Nakajima surveys the No. 3 green during Monday's practice round at the Masters. Katie Goodale- The Augusta Chronicle-USA TODAY Sport

As of Monday afternoon, Woods had not committed to play in this year’s tournament. Jarvis hopes to hear some good news ahead of Thursday.

“For me, I hope he plays,” Jarvis said.

“The game loves Tiger and you see it everywhere you go. Whether he plays or not, that’s his decision. But I hope he plays. Maybe I could play with him.”

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Amateur Aaron Jarvis takes Masters rejection from Tiger Woods in stride