Nearly a year after winning his first major golf tournament, Paul Azinger has an even bigger triumph to his credit - he's apparently beaten cancer.
Eight months after being diagnosed with lymphoma of the right shoulder blade, an ailment that forced him to leave the PGA Tour, Azinger is ready to return this week at the Buick Open.His goal is to prepare to defend his PGA Championship title next week.
Azinger, the father of two girls, hopes to regain his status as one of the Tour's best players. But he knows no matter what happens, his life has new direction since he learned he had cancer.
"I've got a new calling," he said. "I need to be an inspiration to people. I have a chance to reach out to thousands of people. It would be gross negligence if I didn't do something."
Azinger, 34, was second on the tour with nearly $1.5 million in prize money last season. Since being diagnosed, Azinger has undergone months of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiation treatment. While he was out, he missed chances to defend titles he won last year at the Memorial and the New England Classic.
He doesn't want to miss defending at the PGA, one of golf's four majors, and thinks he's ready not just to play, but to be competitive.
"I feel like I'll be as competitive as ever," he said last week during an appearance at Pleasant Valley Country Club, site of the New England Classic. "I know initially it will be tough to concentrate with all the attention.
"I'm in better physical shape than ever. My short game is better than ever. If I don't chip good, it's not because of lack of practice."