By mustang6560 on 8/23/11

J.B. Holmes was recently diagnosed with a brain condition called Chiari malformations after experiencing vertigo-like symptoms for several months.

The malformations are structural defects in the cerebellum and he will undergo non-invasive surgery next week at John Hopkins University Hospital to repair the defects.

"I know when people hear 'brain surgery' it conjures up all kinds of images, but this a relatively low-risk surgery and only takes about an hour and a half. Best of all, there's a very high success rate in fixing the condition. It's just such a relief to know that there's a name for what I've been going through these past few months and that I have a good chance of getting back to golf and to my regular life.

Despite a recent slump (that was clearly related to his condition), the two-time PGA Tour winner managed to finish #66 in the FedExCup and was scheduled to play this week at The Barclays. But, his surgery will sideline him for the remainder of the year. J.B. said he could return to competitive action as early as December, but at that point, he might as well wait until the start of the 2012 PGA Tour season.

Even though the surgery is "low-risk", surgery is surgery so we'll keep you in our thoughts. Hope everything goes well, J.B.



Read More

photo by Keith Allison