Korn Ferry Tour member Brendan Valdes revealed that he has taken a break from professional golf to receive cancer treatment. The 22-year-old was set to begin his debut season as a full member on the second-tier tour following three appearances on the PGA Tour in 2025, including a T20 finish at the 3M Open.
The former Auburn star secured second place in the PGA Tour University rankings last year. He was embarking on the initial stages of a promising professional career before confirming that he had been diagnosed with primary mediastinal lymphoma in December.
A medical examination uncovered a mass on Valdes’ chest, leading to a swift diagnosis before starting chemotherapy. He has completed his initial round of treatment and hopes to full health by the end of the year.
Valdes demonstrated his determined spirit in his Instagram announcement, which he captioned: « As the Terminator once said… I’ll be back. »
He wrote: « Life, like golf, is often unpredictable. I have recently completed my first round of chemotherapy, and while a long journey lies ahead, my treatments should have me back on the golf course and completely healthy this year.
« As I prepare to face this challenge, I want to thank my sponsors, Callaway and Adidas, for being in my corner.
« I also want to thank the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour staff for their continuous support, as well as clarity around navigating my path back to competitive golf.
« Most importantly, I have endless gratitude for my team of doctors, my family and, most especially, my fiancee Rachel. I’m grateful for all the words of encouragement, and I look forward to a return to competition. I’ll be back! »
Valdes’ statement was greeted with an outpouring of backing from his peers.
Valdes reached No. 5 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking before becoming a professional in June 2025.
His runner-up position in the PGA Tour University ranking secured him full membership on the Korn Ferry Tour this season.
World No. 1 amateur Jackson Koivun commented: « Love you bro. Keep fighting, » whilst LIV Golf star Josele Ballester contributed: « Ánimo amigo! You will be back soon. »
PGA Tour professional Joel Dahmen wrote: « You got this, dude. »
He had already sampled the PGA Tour last year, participating in 11 events on the developmental tour. He survived four cuts and achieved his best result with a T3 finish at the Price Cutter Charity Championship one month after turning professional.
Valdes also competed at the John Deere Classic, 3M Open and RSM Classic, surviving the cut in all three tournaments.
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