Brendan Valdes, a promising golfer and former standout at Auburn University, is set to return to competitive play at this weekend’s Biltmore Championship in Asheville, North Carolina. This marks a significant moment in Valdes’s career, as it is his first appearance on the PGA Tour following a challenging battle with cancer.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/brendan-valdes-rsm-classic-2025-091726-3e5eff1f39334742b063df34591a9708.jpg)
At just 23 years of age, Valdes faced a life-altering diagnosis earlier this year when he was informed he had a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The diagnosis came as a shock during an otherwise routine visit to a hospital, where he had initially sought treatment for what he believed was a persistent cold. A CT scan revealed a sizeable nine-centimetre mass situated in the centre of his chest, prompting immediate medical attention and a new focus on his health.
Reflecting on the moment he received the diagnosis, Valdes described it as “definitely scary” and “unbelievably surprising.” Just weeks prior, he had participated in golf tournaments and felt perfectly fine, making the news even more disconcerting. “I just played a tournament two weeks before that… and I felt fine,” he recounted in an exclusive interview.
Throughout his treatment, Valdes found immense support from his family and friends, including his parents, sister, and fiancée. The encouragement from those close to him was crucial during this tumultuous period. “Having my family and all my friends and having all their support and prayers made a big difference,” he said, acknowledging how their presence eased his daily struggles.
Following a personalised treatment plan initiated at the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Valdes commenced chemotherapy in Auburn, Alabama. Thanks to effective treatment, his health took a positive turn, and by June, he received the life-changing news that he was officially cancer-free. This moment was monumental for Valdes, who described the relief as “a giant weight off my chest, literally and figuratively.”
Buoyed by his recovery, Valdes is keen to get back to the sport he loves. His upcoming participation in the Biltmore Championship is particularly significant as it represents his sixth career start on the PGA Tour. After graduating from Auburn in 2025, Valdes earned his Korn Ferry Tour card, showcasing his talent with notable performances last year, including a third-place tie at the Price Cutter Charity Championship.
Looking ahead to the Biltmore Championship, Valdes expressed his excitement and anticipation to return to competitive play. “It’s a lot of excitement,” he remarked, acknowledging that while nerves are part of the game, his primary emotion is enthusiasm. “I’m ready to be back… My game’s in the place where I can go out and compete,” he said, eager to take on the challenge ahead.
Valdes’s journey not only highlights his resilience in facing a serious health issue but also his passion for golf and determination to return to the sport. As he prepares for his appearance this weekend, the golfing community and his supporters will undoubtedly rally around him, celebrating both his recovery and his remarkable comeback to the game he loves.