Former Auburn standout Brendan Valdes announced on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with cancer and will take a leave of absence from his inaugural full season on the Korn Ferry Tour to undergo treatment.
Valdes, who ranked No. 2 in the PGA Tour University standings last summer, securing a full exemption on the Korn Ferry Tour, shared on social media that he has been diagnosed with primary mediastinal lymphoma.
The 22-year-old revealed that he has already completed his initial round of chemotherapy. Although this type of lymphoma is aggressive, the prognosis is favorable with appropriate treatment, and Valdes expressed optimism about returning to competitive golf this year.
“Life, like golf, is often unpredictable,” Valdes stated. “A month ago, I was getting ready for the beginning of my first full season on the Korn Ferry Tour when, during a medical examination, a mass was found in my chest. … While a lengthy journey is ahead, my treatments should enable me to return to the golf course and be fully healthy this year.”
Hailing from Orlando, Florida, Valdes was an All-American at Auburn and played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ NCAA championship victory in 2024. He tied for third place in the Price Cutter Charity Championship during his partial season on the Korn Ferry Tour last year after completing his education. Additionally, he made the cut in all three PGA Tour events he participated in, achieving his best finish with a tie for 20th at the 3M Open in Minnesota.
