Enjoyed finest season of career in 1993 before being diagnosed with lymphoma in right shoulder blade in December of that year. Captured first major title by defeating Greg Norman on second hole of sudden-death playoff at 1993 PGA Championship at Inverness…Earlier won Memorial Tournament in dramatic fashion, holing out from greenside bunker on 72nd hole to defeat Corey Pavin by one stroke and Payne Stewart by two. Won 1993 New England Classic after taking lead with third-round 64. 10 top-three finishes in 1993 were most since Tom Watson in 1980. Finished second on money list to Nick Price. Played in only four events in 1994 following chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In first event of 1995, tied for fourth at United Airlines Hawaiian Open. In 1998, recorded a career-best fifth at Masters Tournament, a T14 at U.S. Open and T13 at PGA Championship. Had at least one victory per season from 1987 through 1993. Three-time winner in 1987, when he finished second on money list behind Curtis Strange. Runner-up at 1987 British Open. 1984 Qualifying Tournament medalist. Twice winner at Fred Meyer Challenge – in 1988 with Bob Tway and in 1991 with Ben Crenshaw.

In 1994 and 1995, served as host for the Zinger Stinger Pro-Am, which raised money for lymphoma research.Recepient of GWAA Ben Hogan Award in 1995, given to the individual who has continued to be active in golf despite physical handicap or serious illness. His book, “Zinger,” is about his fight against cancer. Started playing golf at age 5, but couldn’t break 40 until he was a high school senior.

Inspirational