Golf sucks. We all know this, especially those of us who brave the Texas sun for hours, chasing a little white ball while swearing that this will be the round where we finally break 100. But as much as golf likes to mess with my scorecard, something else decided to take a swing at me recently—skin cancer.”
So, there I was, minding my own business, probably fixing the slice that refuses to leave me alone, when I noticed a little bump on my ear. At first, I chalked it up to a little acne-like bump, a revisit from my teenage years. Turns out, that knot was something more serious—squamous cell carcinoma. That’s right, not just any skin cancer, but the one with the fancy name.
Now, don’t get me wrong—skin cancer is serious. But my way of dealing with it? Humor. I mean, why else would I still be playing this ridiculous game called golf? If I can find a way to laugh at triple bogeys, you better believe I’m going to find a way to laugh at this. Besides, if I can’t laugh at myself, the cancer might.
But seriously, skin cancer isn’t something to take lightly, and I’ve learned that the hard way. And as golfers, we’re at a higher risk. All those hours in the sun, thinking that SPF 30 is enough (spoiler: it’s not), can really catch up with you. So, here’s a tip: wear your sunscreen, and don’t skip the dermatologist appointments. Trust me, it’s better to be overly cautious than to find out the hard way, like I did.”
I have since had the cancer removed. And now have a scar on my right ear that might resemble President Trump (minus the “beautiful, very beautiful, I mean magnificent hair” 🤣). I have had to changed my course headwear from baseball caps to those that cover more real estate – fedoras. But do have to say I think I look pretty damn dapper! Oh, and I regularly apply 30 – 50 SPF sunscreen while out on the course – like the anti-golfer has always told me to do.
I am back on the course now, slicing balls into the rough like nothing ever happened. In the meantime, remember—if something feels off, get it checked. Skin cancer might take a swing at you, but it doesn’t have to win (like the golf course always does!)
