Personal Details: Name: Jarrod Lyle Date of Birth: 21/08/1981 Nickname: J Lo Hometown: Shepparton Hobbies: All Sports Hero: Robert Allenby The story so far..... On May 13, 1999, Jarrod Lyle was forced to look mortality square in the eye. While many would have crumbled under the burden of his plight, the then-teenager refused to blink - such is the strength of his fighting character.
"It is a date that is etched in my memory forever," Lyle said.
Feeling run-down with flu-like symptoms and a bloodied nose, Lyle took solace at his local medical practice.
As a fit and seemingly healthy 17-year-old, the Sheppartonian expected to receive a dose of antibiotics and a couple of days off school.
But as Lyle now knows, life is all about the unexpected.
After removing his shirt for his family doctor, a huge welt across his chest sent alarm bells ringing through the practice.
"I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia," Lyle said.
"It was pretty much a shit of a time in my life."
While the 23-year-old is still in remission, he firmly believes he has won his war with cancer.
"I am pretty much all clear," Lyle said.
Now seven years on and with his health on the improve, Lyle has turned his attention to the cut-throat world of professional golf. After a stellar amateur career jarrod burst on to the professional scene at the 2005 Heineken Classic wich is the richest tournament in Australasia with a $2 million prize pool. He strode the fairways of Royal Melbourne with the confidence of a seasoned professional. Off the course he spoke openly about his cancer battle, his love for the game and what it meant to be mixing it with the pro's. Jarrod captured the heart of the nation as he stayed in the hunt throughout the tournament and challenged for victory as the 72n't hole approached. History will show Lyle bogeyed the final hole to finish in a tie for third place with Englishman Simon Dyson. But what it will not show is the courage the rookie displayed just to be standing on the ruthless Royal Melbourne greens.
"I feel like I am a real champion here," Lyle said on Sunday. A players card on the Asian Tour and events in Europe and the United States followed with a spot on the PGA Tour as the major goal. But first Jarrod Lyle faces his first major and the millions of people touched by his story will be following every shot. |
