It's been a difficult process for Back Nine host, Dustin Ashby, as he's rehabilitating from his recent surgery. Ashby was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma in mid June and underwent surgery to eradicate the cancer on June 21st.
Only days after winning his first round match in the WingHaven Country Club Match Play Championship, Ashby was forced to realize his summer of golf was likely over. "The surgery was supposed to be a simple process to remove the tissue (lymph node) and be done with it, but it turned into a complete dissection. In total 19 lymph nodes were removed and I found myself with a tall mountain to climb", said Ashby
Immediately following the surgery, Ashby's focus quickly shifted to getting back on the golf course. With the help of Jeff Pelizzaro of Performance United Fitness, Dr. Tobin Lingafelter at The Back and Neck Care Center and Amanda Strieder of Sanctuary Massage Therapy, Ashby set out to regain his flexibility and strength to ultimately get back on the golf course in time to play his next match in the WingHaven Country Club Match Play Championship on July 24th. "Everyone pretty much laughed at me when I told them I needed to be able to play a month removed from the surgery", said Ashby. "I knew it wasn't life or death to get back on the course for this match, but the deadline of July 24th gave me a target and I was determined to play that match".
In order to regain his strength and flexibility, Ashby sought out the help of several health and fitness professionals. Together, the team of Jeff Pelizzaro of Performance United Fitness, Amanda Strieder of Sanctuary Massage Therapy and Dr. Tobin Lingafelter of The Back and Neck Care Center assisted Ashby in his recovery. "It was definitely a team approach", said Ashby. "I can honestly say it was a humbling experience as I essentially had to relearn how to use my arm and shoulder."
Only two days before his scheduled match and Ashby had yet to hit a golf ball, "My focus was first and foremost on getting mobility back in my shoulder. I realized I was going to have to make compensations to hit shots, given I couldn't lift my arm past my waist." The night before his match on Sunday the 24th, Ashby played four holes. "It was clear playing those four holes I was going to be relying on a left to right ball flight and I'd have to modify my expectations on how far I could hit shots. A normal 5-iron was typically 185 to 190 yards, but for this match I'd be pulling a 5-iron when I was 160-165 yards away."
Ashby lost 4&3 to John Sparks, but won the battle of getting back on the golf course and on his road to recovery. "Sure, I wanted to win, but I knew it was going to be difficult to beat a good player like John. He played great and I gave him my best shot that day."
While the Club Championship was over for Ashby, his journey was just beginning.
