How JB Holmes survived brain surgery to contend at The Open

The American keeps a chunk of his skull at home as a reminder... This is how JB Holmes survived brain surgery to contend at The Open

As anyone who plays the game well knows, golf can be an all-consuming sport. A bad day on the course can feel more draining than the longest day in the office. This is why perspective is a powerful asset for any player at The Open. This is the story of how JB Holmes survived brain surgery to contend at The Open

“For the rest of the year it really bothered me,” Holmes explained. “I hadn't missed the cut all year and then I missed three in a row. It was mainly because of that, being dizzy. I'd catch a shot really fat, and make one or two swings a round and it cost me three or four shots.”

After missing the cut at the Open at Royal St George’s and the Greenbrier Classic, Holmes pulled out of the PGA Championship after an opening round 80. This was his last appearance of the year.

“The last doctor, the sixth doctor I've seen said you probably need to have surgery,” he explained. “He said there are no guarantees, but that will probably help and cure you of your symptoms.”

“The surgery went well. Then about a month later I started getting fluid around the scar and then got real sick that night. Sunday I don't even really remember. I was in the hospital for about a week, and ended up having to go back in. It ended up being allergic to the glue, and a stitch came loose back there.

“The second surgery when I was sick and went to the E.R. and things, that scared everybody pretty good. Like I said, I don't even remember that day, so it wasn't as bad for me as it was for them.”

These deeply worrying health issues might thankfully be in the distant past but their effects were surely profound. The Holmes we see serenely overcoming the brutal, and for many terrifying, challenge of Royal Portrush is a man who has overcome something far more daunting. That he still keeps a chunk of his skull at home as a reminder of the brain surgery is evidence of the perspective that could yet prove to be his most important asset.

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he went on to become a feature writer interviewing many of the biggest names in the game including Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy and Arnold Palmer.

A 5-handicap golfer, Neil is a club member who takes a keen interest in the health of the game at grassroots level. You’ll often now find him writing about club-related issues such as WHS, membership retention and how best to bridge the gap between the range and the course.