Ian Gilligan earned his PGA Tourcard on Sunday. It's far from the biggest challenge he has faced in his life.
Gilligan, the 23-year-old who graduated from the University of Florida last fall after beginning his college career at Long Beach State, was one of 20 Korn Ferry Tour players to earn their PGA Tour cards after the conclusion of the KFT Championship. Every player has their story of perseverance and hardships they have overcome on their way to the top of the professional golf world.
In Gilligan's case, he nearly lost his life.
When he was 15, he was one of 20 kids worldwide diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, one that forced him to spend months in the hospital. He would spend a week receiving chemotherapy treatments before having two
weeks at home. That process continued for seven months.
✍️ Officially official.
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) October 12, 2026
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2026 TourBound class! pic.twitter.com/gPbjq05TFR
Golf was an escape during Gilligan's time receiving chemotherapy. Because his immune system was so compromised, he couldn't do many things in crowded places, but he could spend time on the golf course.
He first noticed pain in his shoulder, and it eventually spread toward Gilligan's armpit. He was taking Advil just to be able to practice. Then they got the diagnosis.
His first week home after treatment, Gilligan was so exhausted, he didn't have the energy to play golf, let alone much of anything. The next week, he was primarily on the course.
Gilligan was being recruited before his diagnosis, and he didn't let it stop him from becoming a force at the college level.
He dominated two years at Long Beach State and finished his final two at Florida, earning his Korn Ferry Tour card last year. This year, he made 15-of-24 cuts and earned $364,244, finishing 17th on the season-long points race to earn his card.
Ian Gilligan overcame a rare form of cancer nearly a decade ago. Now he's heading to the PGA Tour.
Cameron Jourdan is an assistant editor of Golfweek, covering college and amateur golf, the PGA Tour and plenty more. Follow Cameron on X/Twitter (@Cam_Jourdan) or Instagram (@GolfweekJourdan).
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Ian Gilligan beat a rare cancer at 15. Now he's PGA Tour bound after earning card via KFT
