\tThis was something I had been looking forward to for months. There were lots of things I wanted to achieve. I wanted to introduce some mixed matches with our ladies section, I wanted to ensure my charity day was a huge success, I wanted to see more seniors taking part in our inter-club matches and I wanted Captain\u2019s Day to be something special – and I did manage to achieve all of those things.<\/p>\n
\t![\"DC](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/dc-golf-2026_rrdwch.jpg\")
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\tAs I have previously recorded, I have never known pain like it. But the pain has long subsided and I am now playing golf again.<\/p>\n
\tDuring my illness I asked my vice-captain to step in for me and he did a wonderful job.<\/p>\n
\tI was sent for a CT scan and was confident that all would be well. I had lost 16lb but had put back on an impressive 12lb. I felt really well.<\/p>\n
\tSo you can imagine how I felt when I was told that the scan had found some \u201canomalies\u201d on my liver and my pituitary gland.<\/p>\n
\tI was informed that I would be fast-tracked for an MRI scan and, sure enough, within a week I found myself strapped in for 45 minutes as they carried out a full scan on my head and torso.<\/p>\n
\tIt was a scary experience.<\/p>\n
\tThe day before, I had sat down with my consultant, who told me about the possibility of immunotherapy. My scan was on the Friday and I was promised that a nurse would call me on the Monday with my results. I sat by my phone all day, but the call never came. I had been given a number to call but, yes, you\u2019ve guessed it, I couldn\u2019t get an answer.<\/p>\n
\tThe following day I was on the golf course when the nurse called. I didn\u2019t want to hear what could be bad news while playing golf, so I asked her to call back in the afternoon.<\/p>\n
\tSure enough, at 2pm I received the call I had been dreading. But I was told that the cancer had gone.<\/p>\n
\tShe asked if I wanted to go ahead with immunotherapy but, having read about all the possible side-effects, I opted out. I will be called back every six months for tests and am happy to take my chances.<\/p>\n
\tThere was more.<\/p>\n
\tThey had also found some irregularities with my oesophagus, which meant another hospital procedure later that week. Thankfully, they found nothing wrong.<\/p>\n
\tTwo days later it was off to see another specialist, this time to talk about a hernia in my groin! He had a poke around and informed me that I actually have two hernias. He asked me if I was in pain or discomfort and, when I replied that I wasn\u2019t, he recommended leaving well alone.<\/p>\n
\tI went home and sighed with relief. It was over. Finally!<\/p>\n
\tI had been away from the golf course for almost eight weeks while I recovered and there were feelings of some trepidation when I returned to the course. Would I still be able to play the game to a decent standard? How would I feel physically? My first couple of rounds were a real struggle. I played well enough but by the time I reached the ninth hole I was almost on my knees. I didn\u2019t keep my score – being out there again was enough.<\/p>\n
\tI now had to decide whether I wanted to resume my captaincy duties.<\/p>\n
\tI have to tell you that all of this has taken a huge toll on me emotionally and physically so, with a heavy heart, I informed my vice-captain that I would not be taking up the reins again.<\/p>\n
\tThis was the hardest decision I have ever had to take but, for the good of my health, it was the right call. And he had been doing such a wonderful job that I felt it would have been grossly unfair of me to step back in.<\/p>\n
![\"DC](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/dc-2026-dunston-charity_e2swcu.jpg\")
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