Ian Gilligan beat a rare cancer at 15. Now he's PGA Tour bound after earning card via KFT

Ian Gilligan, a 23-year-old former University of Florida student, has earned his PGA Tour card after overcoming a rare form of cancer at the age of 15. The journey to the professional golf world has been marked by resilience and determination, as Gilligan battled lymphoma during his college years.

When he was 15, Gilligan was one of 20 children worldwide diagnosed with a rare lymphoma, a diagnosis that forced him to endure months of hospital stays and chemotherapy treatments. The grueling process continued for seven months, during which he underwent weekly chemotherapy sessions followed by two weeks of rest at home. Despite the physical challenges, golf provided a much-needed escape during his treatments, as his immune system was so compromised that he could not engage in many activities outside the golf course.

Gilligan first noticed pain in his shoulder, which eventually spread toward his armpit. To cope with the discomfort, he relied on Advil to play golf. However, once diagnosed, the weariness was overwhelming; he couldn't muster the energy to play during the first week after treatment. By the following week, however, Gilligan was back on the course.

His college career was already on an upward trajectory before the diagnosis, and he continued to excel, dominating at Long Beach State and finishing his remaining years at Florida.

Gilligan's dedication and talent shone through, earning him a Korn Ferry Tour card last year. This year, he made 15 of 24 cuts, earning $364,244 and finishing 17th on the season-long points race, which secured his PGA Tour card. Standing at the cusp of a new chapter in his professional career, Ian Gilligan is set to join the PGA Tour, a testament to his unwavering perseverance and passion for the sport.