The big-hitting American golfer J.B. Holmes has lost swing speed and driving distance but is simply thankful to be back competing on the PGA Tour this week after undergoing brain surgery last year.
Sidelined since August after being diagnosed with Chiari malformation, or structural defects in the part of the brain which controls balance, Holmes says he's gained a deeper appreciation of his good fortune to be a professional golfer.
As a permanent reminder of his surgery, Holmes has the small piece of his skull which was removed by doctors sitting at home.
Holmes is preparing for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego where New Zealand's Danny Lee is also competing.
The 21 year old Lee made his first cut of the year at last week's Hawaiian Open, picking up 14-thousand dollars after tieing for 66th place.
