
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; PGA golfer Brandt Snedeker tees off on the 16th hole during the second round of the Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament at Waialae Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; PGA golfer Brandt Snedeker tees off on the 16th hole during the second round of the Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament at Waialae Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
In professional golf, tales of triumph and perseverance often take center stage. Athletes battle physical and mental obstacles, pushing the boundaries of their abilities in pursuit of greatness.
One such story is that of Brandt Snedeker, a name synonymous with excellence on the PGA Tour. But behind the accolades and victories, lies a hidden chapter. A chapter marked by a rare and debilitating injury that threatened to derail the golfer’s career. This is a story of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passion. A story that will captivate and inspire golf fans around the world.
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The struggles of battling a hidden injury
Brandt Snedeker, a nine-time PGA Tour winner, has made a remarkable comeback after undergoing a rare surgery that sidelined him for nearly nine months. Snedeker last competed in the season-opening Fortinet Championship in September. He returned to action at The Memorial Tournament with renewed determination and a revamped game.
The 42-year-old golfer had been grappling with a debilitating sternum injury for the past six to seven years, known as manubrium joint instability. Despite trying various non-surgical treatments and stem cell therapy in South America, the pain persisted, impeding his practice and performance. Snedeker confessed, “I managed it the best I could, but I reached a point where playing without pain became impossible, and I got tired of dealing with it.”
The nine-time PGA Tour winner returns this week after undergoing a rare surgery on his sternum https://t.co/je2JsawRiq
— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) June 1, 2023
Determined to find a solution, Snedeker underwent an experimental surgery on December 1st, performed by Dr. Burton Elrod in Nashville. The innovative procedure involved removing a bone from his hip and reconstructing his sternum to provide enhanced stability and alleviate the excruciating pain. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, and Snedeker embarked on a five-month rehabilitation journey to regain his strength and swing without discomfort.
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PGA Tour pro Brandt Snedeker’s road to recovery
The Memorial Tournament served as Snedeker’s triumphant return to competitive golf, where he showcased his resilience and unwavering spirit. Despite a lengthy hiatus from the sport, Snedeker remained focused on his goal and diligently worked towards swinging pain-free. He expressed his excitement about testing his fitness at a challenging event like The Memorial Tournament. While emphasizing his desire to dive back into the deep end and determine the effectiveness of his surgery.

via Reuters
Golf – The 149th Open Championship – Royal St George’s, Sandwich, Britain – July 15, 2021 Brandt Snedeker of the U.S. in action during the first round REUTERS/Rebecca Naden
With nine PGA Tour victories under his belt, including a memorable 59 in the opening round of the 2018 Wyndham Championship. Snedeker has proven his mettle on the golf course. Although his ranking had slipped over the years due to the persistent injury. His unwavering determination and commitment to his quality of life led him to make the difficult decision to undergo surgery.
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As Snedeker heads into the tournament ranked 722nd in the world, his successful return marks a turning point in his career. With his injury woes behind him, he is poised to reclaim his position among the golfing elite and climb back up the rankings.
Watch this story – Days after shattering Tiger Woods inhuman record 19-year-old phenom eyes a bigger prize in golfs history books
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