IRVING, Texas – For just the second time since 2002, John Senden is not in the AT&T Byron Nelson field, a tournament that’s generally a fixture on his playing schedule. The reason is heartbreaking: Senden is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the PGA TOUR after announcing three weeks ago that his 13-year-old son Jacob has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Shortly after the announcement, Senden’s good friend and fellow Aussie Steven Bowditch – who lives close to the TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas and won this event in 2015 – came up with an idea for TOUR pros to show their support. During Thursday’s first round, players wore on their caps a patch resembling a Rubik’s Cube, which happens to be Jacob’s favorite toy. While Senden is not here in person, the family – and especially Jacob – is in the thoughts of Bowditch and his fellow competitors. “We’re all thinking of him all the time,” Bowditch said. “Anything we can do to try and put a smile on his face and help him get through this. We just all hope he can punch on through.” Another Aussie, Cameron Percy, was on the practice green at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans when he heard that Bowditch and his partner Rod Pampling had withdrawn in the team event. Soon after, he was informed of the reason. “I had a tear in my eye,” Percy recalled Thursday. “Everyone felt the same way – just devastated. We had played a practice round in San Antonio the previous week, had dinner twice and we spoke that Friday night. I had no idea. Neither did he. “There couldn’t be two nicer people than John and (wife) Jackie. It’s not fair, is it?” Ernie Els had not been aware of the development until he showed up at the course Thursday at TPC Four Seasons and saw the patches of support. Nine years ago, Els announced that his son Ben was autistic, and since then, the South African and his wife Liezl have been instrumental in raising awareness for the disorder. Many TOUR pros have donated their time and participated in Els’ charitable functions for his foundation. “It just makes you think,” Els said. “We’re chasing birdies and pars out here, but when you hear something like this, we pull together as a TOUR, as a friendship, as a unit. We’ve done it with me. We’ve done it with other guys. We’re going to do it for John and his family now.” Jason Day has dealt with his own family’s cancer issues lately, his mother Dening having been diagnosed in Australia with terminal lung cancer. Day brought his mother to the United States, where further tests were done. Surgery was recently performed that resulted in a much more encouraging diagnosis, and Dening is now back in Australia with an improved outlook. “I know exactly what he’s feeling like in regard to that,” Day said. Day and his wife Ellie have two young children. Day said he “could never fathom thinking about going through something like that. It breaks my heart for him and I’m just hoping and praying for the best for him and his family because it is a difficult time for him.” And now the fight begins. Bowditch reports that Jacob had his first treatment last weekend. “I’m sure he’ll pull through and come out the other side,” Bowditch said. “He’s a strong kid, a great kid with a great family.”
Online Sports Betting
Senden faces family matters, takes TOUR leave
IRVING, Texas – For just the second time since 2002, John Senden is not in the AT&T Byron Nelson field, a tournament that’s generally a fixture on his playing schedule. The reason is heartbreaking: Senden is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the PGA TOUR after announcing three weeks ago that his 13-year-old son…
Robert’s beginning is Cuban revolution’s ending
For years, teams have been allowed to spend whatever they please on international talent. Once Luis Robert signs, that won’t be the case. Click here to read the full article…
Stars lurk around Nelson leaders Hahn, Barnes
Stars lurk around Nelson leaders Hahn, Barnes Click here to read the full article…
Barnwell’s NFC North report cards: Chicago’s head-scratching offseason
Barnwell’s NFC North report cards: Chicago’s head-scratching offseason Click here to read the full article…
Hahn, Barnes share lead at Byron Nelson
James Hahn and Ricky Barnes each carded 6-under first rounds in Texas, while big names like Dustin Johnson are lurking. Click here to read the full article…
Thompson leads at Kingsmill Championship
Thompson leads at Kingsmill Championship Click here to read the full article…
Hahn, Barnes share Byron Nelson lead with plenty of stars close behind
Brooks Koepka leaned in for a closer look at his ball buried in deep rough when a critter he couldn’t identify caused him to jump back with a bit of a startled look. It definitely wasn’t a birdie, because Koepka was on his way to finishing with two straight bogeys after sharing the lead late…
Hahn, Barnes tied on top at AT&T Byron Nelson
IRVING, Texas — Brooks Koepka leaned in for a closer look at his ball buried in deep rough when a critter he couldn’t identify caused him to jump back with a bit of a startled look. His best guesses were a frog or rat, though he was too disoriented to be sure. It definitely wasn’t…
Report: Agent says Mike Ribeiro suffered alcohol relapse, NHL future unclear
Mike Ribeiro’s agent Bob Perno told La Presse’s Richard Labbé (via Puck Daddy) that the veteran forward suffered an alcohol relapse during the 2016-17 season, sometime before he was waived by the Nashville Predators in February. Ribeiro, 37, had made a trade request around that time. Perno’s interview with La Presse reveals that Ribeiro is uncertain about…
Watch: Senators vs. Penguins Game 4
Ottawa looks to take a commanding 3-1 lead on the defending champ Penguins in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. Click here to read the full article…
Time for All-Star Race to ditch $1 million prize
The seven-figure bonus for winning the race was first awarded in 2003. NASCAR needs to figure out a new angle. Click here to read the full article…
Brady should speak out about concussion issue
Tom Brady’s wife said he had multiple undisclosed concussions. But even if he didn’t, he could still help end the stigma about brain injuries. Click here to read the full article…