After beating cancer twice, Jarrod Lyle says battling through illness and a terrible cough to take his place on the US PGA Tour is child’s play.
The inspirational Australian golfer returns to action this week at The Humana Challenge in La Quinta, just outside Palm Springs in California, as part of his attempt to regain full playing status on the tour.
Having collected $US53,795 ($A58,204) in prize-money in his initial two events of this new season late last year, Lyle needs a further $US230,030 ($A248,883) over his next 18 starts to clinch his card.
Already a two-time survivor of leukaemia, his predicament of having adverse reactions to his vaccination schedule in his new cleaned-out blood system is something Lyle refuses to let affect him.
“I’ve been crook as a dog these last few weeks but I am looking forward to getting out there this week for the start of what is hopefully a big year as I have one last big crack at the Tour,” Lyle said.
“I’ve been given this chance and I want to give it everything I’ve got. I had some inoculations as part of my treatment and the two live viruses got me so I’ve been struggling a bit but, with everything I’ve been through, I’d have to lose one arm and one leg to pull out of a golf tournament.”
Lyle has lightened his practice load in the lead-up to the tournament but still expects to be competitive among the likes of defending champion Patrick Reed and five-time major winner Phil Mickelson.
“I just have to make sure it is really good practice and work out the best ways to have enough energy to be there competitively on Sundays.
“I have to be ruthless on myself, practise and play at the right times, and pick my events carefully.
“My game feels like it is all there and falling back into place. The two events last year were huge for me and making the cuts showed me the game is still there and it is burning inside me to keep going.
“Now it is about building on that and I’m excited for it.”
Stuart Appleby, Steven Bowditch, Matt Jones and Cameron Percy join Lyle in the field, while Robert Allenby has officially withdrawn after his bashing ordeal in Hawaii, confirming via text he has undergone a CT scan in Florida to check for any further damage.
“On the advice of my personal doctor, I have decided to withdraw from this week’s Humana Challenge,” Allenby said in a statement before texting AAP.
“This will enable me to ensure I am fully recovered prior to rejoining the PGA Tour. I anticipate a full recovery and look forward to returning in the near future,” Allenby said.
