An athlete’s career is full of hurdles that they have to overcome to propel themselves to the top of the field. However, what happens when life itself becomes a hurdle that you have to pass? That is precisely what happened to Jon Trasamar, the mini-tour professional.

Trasamar had been an inspirational figure even before he was diagnosed as terminally ill. But even when declared sick, he didn’t stop being a motivating force for many, as can be seen from the words of his best friend, Erik Van Rooyen. Let’s learn more about Jon Trasamar.

Meet Jon Trasamar, Erik Van Rooyen’s best friend

The son of Lonny and Cindy Trasamar, he turned professional in 2014 after a successful college golf career. Jon,  Erik, and Erik’s caddie Alex Gaugert played together during their college days. They played as a team too winning the  2014 Big Ten championship. He had put up a fantastic display of skills as the senior athlete had managed to finish third at the Big Ten Championship, along with helping the Minnesota Gophers claim the title of team champions.

His professional career saw a bit of obstacles, as Q school was a bit of a struggle for him to pass. However, the American’s success as a pro was limited as he could only emerge triumphant on the Dakotas Tour five times, his last one coming from the Hillcrest Pro/Junior-Pro/Women where he registered a score of 11-under 133. On the Korn Ferry Tour, he could Monday-qualify just once for the 2020 Pinnacle Bank Championship but could not make the cut.

He met his wife Allie in 2016, following which they later got married in 2022. It was in the same year when Trasamar was gearing up for another run at Qualifying school while caddying at Whisper Rocks in Arizona when he was diagnosed with melanoma in his lymph nodes. Although they were removed, he was instructed to rest with regular checkups to ensure complete remission.

After his initial treatments and rest, the athlete participated in the Q school in Southern Dunes, Arizona. However, he did not progress and chose to become a looper. Unfortunately, his first follow-up scan in November showed the disease spreading to his limbs. The oncologist prescribed immunotherapy, which worked well.

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However, in February 2023, Trasamar went to the doctor again after finding blood in his urine. What awaited the professional was another shocking news of the cancer spreading to his liver, back, spine, and legs. The golfer is in the hospital, fighting for his life. His legs are being supported and stabilized with titanium rods because of cancer. However, while sick, he has inspired his best friend to win the PGA Tour event.

Trasamar’s friend wins the World Wide Technology Championship

After the 27-under 261 victory at the World Wide Technology Championship, Rooyen and his caddy Gaugert dedicated the win to his sick best buddy. The South African was very emotional as he mentioned how he could remain cool-headed owing to the thoughts of his friend, Trasamar.

Adding on, the professional confessed how winning a “silly trophy” didn’t matter at the end of the day while fighting for something greater. Nevertheless, he could do his job properly, all the while thinking how “every shot out there today” was for his best bud J.T., for whom he was flying out to meet on Tuesday.

It is a truly inspiring story of friendship and hard work. What did you think of Trasamar’s story?

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