So the journey to becoming a PGA Tour golfer is never an easy one and we have quite some examples of that. For instance, Rory McIlroy’s parents used to work extra hours just to make ends meet and help the golfer achieve the status he has in the golf world. But again, he is not the only golfer with a struggling story as most of the golfers came from nothing and now have everything they could ever want or need in their lives.

So, why are we talking about this? Well, the story stays the same for Ken Duke who turned pro in 1994 and eventually ended up in the PGA Tour and now has earned the right to be called a PGA Tour pro with one win under his belt; aiming for a second one too. However, his journey to gain that name wasn’t an easy one.

Ken Duke faced multiple obstacles on his way to become a PGA Tour golfer

Duke’s journey to becoming one of the best golfers out there was filled with obstacles. Before his 918 starts, which refers to the total number of events Ken Duke has participated in across three PGA TOUR-sanctioned tours and four wins on three PGA TOUR-sanctioned Tours, Duke faced very daunting challenges with his health.  During a normal routine check-up, the golfer found that he had a severe case of scoliosis, which would require him to wear a back brace for two years and after that, it wasn’t the same anymore.

“It just got worse and worse, because I was a growing boy. When I was in the ninth grade, I had a 58-degree curve and doctors said I needed surgery”, he said, per PGA Tour.  He also talked about how he would have difficulty breathing because of his condition. “I was very short-winded because the curve was going into my lungs. I couldn’t breathe easily, so it became impossible to condition like the other kids. After being diagnosed with scoliosis as a teenager, one would think that little golfer would’ve said goodbye to his dream of becoming an athlete right?

Well, that would be hard nonetheless, because when Ken Duke’s life took a dramatic turn and his spine curved 72 degrees he refused to give up.  “It wasn’t about sports for me. It was about having my life. That’s all I cared about”, he said.  The long and devastating pain from surgery which led to him having a 16-inch rod inside of him, he emerged stronger than ever!  Duke’s win over the devastating time makes him more than just a talented golfer as his impressive golf career features an amazing resume of 485 Korn Ferry Tour starts (2 wins), 318 PGA TOUR events (1 win), and 119 PGA TOUR Champions starts (1 win).

Now, that Duke is finally over the horrifying period of “living unsure about your future” he has now become a ray of hope for many young golfers who are struggling with the same or any other conditions.

Ken Duke is an inspiration to many young golfers

As said, over the years several young athletes have reached out to Ken Duke on social media in the hope of finding an answer to their neverending question of if they will ever be able to achieve their dreams. The golfer takes in inquiries from over a dozen kids every year who are seeking just a small bit of advice on how they can overcome scoliosis. The first question is always the same and so gut-wrenching, “Will I be able to play golf, or any sport, again?” and Duke’s response always begins with  “It’s just not about that.”

One such athlete was Andrew Hinson. His mom who had lost all hope, contacted Duke after Andrew’s scoliosis diagnosis. “When we first got the news, he was 11 or 12,” Jane recalled. “It was devastating. He loved sports, and we worried it would limit his dreams. He had always been such an active kid and loved sports of all kinds”, she said. Despite a brace, Hinson’s pain never got any better, and eventually, surgery became inevitable. Jane searched for hope and found Duke’s story and she got to know about his success on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions proved that surgery wasn’t a career-ender.

Duke shared his experience with Hinson and his family and offered his valuable advice on how everything can be done if you just have the right amount of determination and now Hinson is one of the best amateur golfers out there. So, what are your thoughts on the journey of Ken Duke? Let us know in the comment section below!