Some of the biggest names in world golf – and even ‘The Rock’ Dwayne Johnson – have expressed their deep sadness following the news on Wednesday morning that Australian golfer Jarrod Lyle has been placed in palliative care following a long and brave battle with cancer.
Here is a selection of some of the tributes flooding social media:
https://twitter.com/IBFinchy/status/1024302761670856705
Just heard the news about Jarrod Lyle. Life is very precious and you have been so strong. We are thinking and praying for you and your family now more than ever. – Ernie, Liezl, Samantha and Ben
— Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) July 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/JustinThomas34/status/1024389358437249024
https://twitter.com/GregChalmersPGA/status/1024278632255115264
Life is precious and we all take it for granted too often – seeing the picture of @jarrodlylepga hugging his family with not long to live brought tears to my eyes. Peace be with you, you will be missed Jarrod x
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) July 31, 2018
Man this is a tough one.
Sending so much love, light and strength to Jarrod and his Lyle family. https://t.co/GOiT34HwuK— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 31, 2018
2018 continues to be a sad one for the golf community. Tough to put into words how brave @jarrodlylepga has been his entire life. The man has epitomized positivity and courage throughout his ordeals and setbacks. Everyone can learn a lot from the way Jarrod has lived his life.
— Ewan Porter (@ewanports) July 31, 2018
Thoughts with Jarrod, his family and friends ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/vsRzVd0ju3
— Thomas Bjørn (@thomasbjorngolf) July 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/KyleThompsonPGA/status/1024333561799823360
What I would give to have one more round of golf with this amazing man jarrod.lyle! So proud of you for the amazing fight you have put up! I’ll never forget all the laughs and good times… https://t.co/MofeZNVzaX
— Colt Knost (@ColtKnost) July 31, 2018
As I sit here @KCGolfClassic I’m reminded that, at this very event several years ago, we welcomed Jarrod back to competitive golf. He’s one of us and I’m incredibly saddened by the news that he’s now in palliative care. Can’t imagine the courage it took to stop treatment.
— Shaun Micheel (@shaunmicheelpga) July 31, 2018
Arguably the toughest tweet we've ever had to post. Puts golf into full perspective. Please rally around Jarrod Lyle and his brave family in your own way — possibly sharing a few coins for Challenge Cancer. https://t.co/3wlhBDjzTn
— Golf Australia (@GolfAust) July 31, 2018
Awful news about Jarrod Lyle today. So sad. pic.twitter.com/uPJ4vKx5VQ
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) July 31, 2018
Thinking of Jarrod Lyle and his fam today. Sad news from down under. The man always made ppl laugh and wore a smile 24-7. Prayin for miracle
— Willy Wilcox (@willwilcoxgolf) July 31, 2018
Devasted to hear this news, the outpouring of support speaks volumes of Jarrod Lyle and his family, our thoughts are with them at this time https://t.co/hlAgQaxVF5
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) July 31, 2018
Although beautiful, life is also plagued w pain – please be praying for God’s comfort and love to surround the Lyle family as they face this storm. #pgatour #hugyourlovedones https://t.co/jNoe5YhZHd
— Cameron Tringale (@CamTringale) July 31, 2018
Prayers for this brave man. If you think your life is hard or unfair or you are feeling sorry for yourself just because, think of Jarrod Lyle and the fight he has put forth to simply live. https://t.co/tejZezgSH3
— Dave Shedloski (@DaveShedloski) July 31, 2018
Sad news out of Australia this morning. Thoughts with Jarrod Lyle & family. One of the nicest guys not just in the game but anywhere, and one hell of a fighter https://t.co/uda8Nr8ZOF
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) July 31, 2018
A gut-wrenching message from his wife Briony overnight outlined the impending heart-breaking end to Lyle’s third fight with cancer.
“This will be the final post on Jarrod’s page. Earlier today we started palliative care for him as his body is no longer able to fight. We will take him closer to home to be near his girls. He has put up a courageous fight and he is surrounded by love.
“There is simply not enough time to get this message out to everyone individually, so for some of our really close friends and family I cannot apologise enough for breaking the news in this way. We have done our best to ‘control’ the narrative surrounding Jarrod’s illness and treatment, and as more and more people become involved in this final process I’m not sure how much longer this development will remain private.
“Jarrod knows he is loved, and the thousands of prayers and well wishes that have been sent his way have kept him going through some incredibly tough times. But he has reached his limit, and the docs have finally agreed that they can no longer strive for a positive outcome.”
After two successful bouts versus cancer, Lyle announced last year the disease had returned for a third time. In the past few months, Lyle has been stricken with a mystery illness, one that resulted in a loss of vision and put the former US PGA Tour player back in the hospital. Sadly, it appears the damage is irreversible. His family took to Instagram and Facebook, announcing that Lyle is bracing for the final stages of his life.
“My focus as of today is on our girls and doing whatever I can to get them through the challenges ahead. Jarrod will be closer to them very soon, and will spend as much time as he can with them.
“When it’s appropriate, I will post details of a memorial service. In the meantime we ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
