Former Auburn Star Brendan Valdes Diagnosed with Cancer, Pauses Korn Ferry Tour

The 22-year-old golfer will step away from his first full season on the developmental tour to undergo treatment.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Former Auburn University standout golfer Brendan Valdes, 22, announced on social media that he has been diagnosed with primary mediastinal lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer. Valdes, who earned a full exemption on the Korn Ferry Tour after a standout college career, will pause his first full season on the developmental tour to undergo chemotherapy treatment. Despite the difficult diagnosis, Valdes expressed optimism about his recovery and returning to golf later this year.

Why it matters

Valdes was poised for a breakout season on the Korn Ferry Tour after a successful college career at Auburn, where he helped lead the Tigers to an NCAA championship in 2024. His cancer diagnosis is a setback, but the high recovery rate for his specific form of lymphoma provides hope that he can return to professional golf in 2023.

The details

Valdes said he already completed his first round of chemotherapy after the cancer was discovered during a routine medical exam. The 22-year-old from Orlando, Florida, was ranked No. 2 in the PGA Tour University rankings last summer, earning him a full exemption on the Korn Ferry Tour for the 2023 season. He made the cut in all three PGA Tour events he played in 2022, with a best finish of a tie for 20th at the 3M Open.

  • Valdes announced his cancer diagnosis on January 29, 2026.
  • He has already completed his first round of chemotherapy.

The players

Brendan Valdes

A 22-year-old golfer from Orlando, Florida, who was an All-American at Auburn University and helped the Tigers win the NCAA championship in 2024. He earned a full exemption on the Korn Ferry Tour for the 2023 season after a successful college career.

Auburn University

The college where Valdes played golf and won an NCAA championship in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Life, like golf, is often unpredictable. A month ago, I was preparing for the start of my first full season on the Korn Ferry Tour when, during a medical exam, a mass was discovered in my chest. ... While a long journey lies ahead, my treatments should have me back on the golf course and completely healthy this year.”

— Brendan Valdes, Golfer (Social Media)

What’s next

Valdes will continue his chemotherapy treatment with the goal of returning to the Korn Ferry Tour later in the 2023 season.

The takeaway

Valdes' cancer diagnosis is a setback, but the high recovery rate for his specific form of lymphoma provides hope that he can overcome this challenge and resume his promising professional golf career in the near future.