‘RIP’: Devastated Fans Send in Their Heartfelt Prayers as Golf Pro Who Inspired Eric Van Rooyen to PGA Tour Title Passes Away

It has barely been two weeks since Erik Van Rooyen spoke about his ailing friend, with a trophy in his hand and tears in his eyes. The 34-year-old golfer flew from Mexico to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to visit his college friend and best buddy, Jon Trasamar, battling with cancer. Ten days later, the mini-tour golfer, who inspired Rooyen on his path to victory, breathed his last, leaving golf fans worldwide in mourning.

Trasamar’s story was highlighted back in February but was brought into the limelight by Rooyen’s victory once again. The Minnesota native who teed up at the PGA Tour’s qualifying school tournament while battling with cancer inspired many. After his demise, Trasamar’s brother issued a statement reflecting on his courage and thanking everyone for praying for him.

Trasamar dreamt of his PGA Tour debut even when battling cancer

Trasamar’s brother revealed in the statement, that while the mini-tour player was diagnosed with cancer he kept up his efforts to qualify for the PGA Tour as long as he could. “He fought to make it to the PGA Tour literally as long as he was able to physically play golf.” Indeed, the 33-year-old golfer turned up at the PGA Tour Qualifying tournament months after going through a knee and shoulder surgery. 

His impact, though, echoed beyond PGA Tour pros. Just a week after Rooyen dedicated his Mexico victory to his best friend, Jerry Kelly, a relative of Trasamar, who was playing at the Charles Schwab Cup in the Champions Tour. After his eighth-place finish at the tournament, the 56-year-old spoke of Trasamar, who was married to Allie Haen, his niece. Similar to Rooyen, while speaking to the press, Kelly, too, could barely hold his tears back.

Just two months after tying the knot in March 2022, Trasamar was diagnosed with melanoma. In the statement issued via Monday Q Info on X  (formerly Twitter), his brother said, “We don’t have the final arrangement made yet, likely a memorial probably the weekend after Thanksgiving.”

“But I do want to let people know somehow far and wide as so many have followed his story and been praying, reaching out,” his brother further added. The comments under the post revealed the truth behind his words.

A loss that Erik Van Rooyen and his fans can’t accept 

After the sad and unfortunate demise of someone who didn’t even have half of their life’s fill, one can only pray for their family. As much as it is hard to accept, one fan echoed everyone when they said this.

Whoever has been following Trasamar’s story, probably thought he would have a few more weeks of life left in him. However, it hasn’t been two weeks, and cancer took him away from his family and friends. 

Rooyen’s win at El Cardonal, was one of the best moments of golf this year. Undoubtedly, most would agree with this fan.

That victory was no less than a victory for his friend as well. The golfer himself revealed behind every shot, Trasamar circled in his mind. This fan was right when they said this.

How was Trasamar as a person? One person had the chance to tee up with him and this is what they have to say.

Speaking along similar lines, another user who knew him commented he was a “great man” to be around with.

Read More: Who Is Jon Trasamar? The Heartbreaking Tale of the Golf Pro Who Inspired Erik Van Rooyen’s WWT Championship Victory

Even in these trying times, Erik Van Rooyen would be happy to know that just in a few days and despite not playing in the PGA Tour, Jon Trasamar, received so much love from golf fans worldwide.

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