Erik van Rooyen reflects on his emotional victory at the 2023 World Wide Technology Championship in Los Cabos, Mexico, where he stormed home in 8-under 28 to win for the second time on the PGA Tour. Van Rooyen dedicated his win to his terminally-ill friend Jon Trasamar, who passed away from stage 4 melanoma just days after the tournament. The victory was a poignant moment for van Rooyen, who learned valuable lessons about resilience and perspective through his friend’s battle with cancer. He has since established a scholarship in Trasamar’s name at the University of Minnesota.
Van Rooyen’s journey to defending his title has been a transformative one, as he has improved his game under the guidance of swing instructor Sean Foley. He arrived at the tournament in a much better position than a year ago when he was struggling to maintain his Tour card. With his game clicking on all cylinders, van Rooyen is eager to prove himself once again on the PGA Tour. Despite facing tough conditions with gusty winds forecasted for the tournament, van Rooyen remains confident in his abilities as a putter and believes the course sets up well for his strengths.
The emotional connection to Trasamar and the memory of his victory last year continue to inspire van Rooyen as he navigates the challenges of professional golf. He credits his friend with teaching him important life lessons about resilience and the importance of perspective. The impact of Trasamar’s passing has been profound on van Rooyen and his friends, who have come together to honor his memory through the scholarship at the University of Minnesota. Van Rooyen’s dedication to his friend’s legacy is a testament to the bonds forged through sports and the lasting impact of those relationships.
As van Rooyen prepares to defend his title, he carries with him the lessons learned from his friend’s battle with cancer. He understands the significance of his platform as a professional golfer and the opportunity to make a positive impact beyond the golf course. Van Rooyen’s determination to honor Trasamar’s memory through his performance on the PGA Tour is a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring legacy of those we hold dear. With a renewed sense of purpose and perspective, van Rooyen is poised to make his mark once again on the world of professional golf.
