'I don’t have time to think about being sick, just because I’m playing golf'

There was a very special invite this week on the PGA Tour when local pro Brian Morris got his chance to realise a boyhood dream. Two years ago Morris was told that he had terminal Stage IV brain cancer but, despite undergoing 31 chemotherapy treatments, he will tee it up at the Bermuda Championship.

The 54-year-old, who will have his next treatment on Monday, was understandably emotional when he got the news.

“First thing I thought of is how proud my father would be. He passed away about 35 years ago, he got me into golf,” said Morris. “Obviously, I cried. I’m not afraid to tell anybody. So many emotions. It was hard to explain, just tears. I’ll probably cry on 18. I’ll be emotional 100 per cent.

“It’s like tranquility for me. I don’t have time to think about being sick. I don’t feel sick, I don’t act sick, just because I’m playing golf. I don’t have time to think about that because I’m just trying to make shots and hit putts. It’s so cool that playing golf takes me completely away because I’m always in it between doctors and hospitals and trips to Boston; it’s every day except for those four and a half hours I play golf.

“I used to be terrible with nerves but since I got diagnosed with cancer, it's like hitting a tee shot doesn't really. I embrace it now because I'm able to do it. I probably shouldn't be according to the doctors and how my cancer was growing and stuff."

Morris is the head pro at Bermuda’s Ocean View GC, the tournament is being played at Port Royal, and he was partnered by his cousin Michael Sims who qualified for the event.

“He’s such an inspiration to everybody. The minute you meet him you’ll understand,” said Sims. “He just lights up everybody’s day. He’s honest, he’s hysterical, he’s a great storyteller, so to be able to walk these fairways with him in this tournament, it’s going to be unbelievable.”