About Jarrod

Jarrod Lyle was first diagnosed with Leukaemia at 17 in 1999 but became a successful Australian professional golfer. He won twice on the Nationwide Tour and played several seasons on the US PGA Tour; his best finish was tied for 4th place in the 2012 Northern Trust Open. Jarrod was scheduled to return to Melbourne for the birth of his first daughter, Lusi, a week after this tournament. Within this week, Jarrod was diagnosed with Leukaemia for the second time and commenced chemotherapy the day after Lusi’s arrival. Throughout 2012, golfers worldwide wore a ‘Leuk the Duck’ pin in honour of Jarrod.

If Jarrod never played professional golf again, he was content knowing he had reached the pinnacle of his career playing on the US PGA tour. A diagnosis such as this would have halted any return to professional golf for most people. Through determination and perseverance, Jarrod returned on tour and was a serious competitor, admired by all.

As a public figure, Jarrod advocated for Challenge, increasing awareness and raising funds to support other families facing a cancer diagnosis. In 2017, Jarrod’s cancer returned for the third time. Subsequent treatment limited his playing time, and in July 2018, Jarrod decided to stop treatment. Jarrod passed away on 8 August 2018 at 36, surrounded by his loved ones.

"When a young man dies at 36, you might lament that we hardly got to know him. But Jarrod Lyle was universally adored because, even to strangers, he seemed like a good friend. We knew him as a tremendously gifted golfer whose best was competitive with the game's finest. To many, Jarrod was quite simply a good bloke." - Richard Hinds, respected Australian sportswriter.

My Story - Jarrod Lyle