As a professional golfer and celebrity entertainer, my life has revolved around perfecting my swing and passionately helping raise millions for charities worldwide. This year, however, I faced a personal challenge far beyond the fairways, my battle with skin cancer.
Skin cancer is not merely a physical condition, but for me, it has carried an immense mental burden. My journey has involved multiple surgeries and an ever-present sense of depression and anxiety. The sun, which once served as a warm companion during countless hours on the golf course, has transformed into a source of fear.
As October arrives, I reflect on the fact that I haven’t even played a single round of golf this year. What used to be a sanctuary of joy has become a landscape filled with worry. One that I have yet to find the strength to overcome. Every ray of sunlight serves as a reminder of my vulnerability, casting a shadow over my love for the game.
My limited time on the golf course this year has only been to entertain. With a dependency on pop-up canopies, bucket hats, SPF arm sleeves, and zinc and mineral sunscreen, I have found my thoughts racing with concerns of recurrence, alongside the anxiety of returning to a sport that has long been a defining element of my identity.
Time heals and looking ahead, I believe that by next year, I will be ready to play again. Armed with a deeper understanding that my journey is not solely about overcoming the physical scars of my past but also about reclaiming my sense of self. I have come to recognize that the sun is a double-edged sword, essential for life, yet potentially harmful in excess.
Moving forward, I know that playing golf will symbolize not just a path to victory for me, but also a platform for advocacy, a space where I can share my story and raise awareness about the harmful effect of the sun so others will not have to endure the same challenges I have faced.