Golfer Mark James, the 1999
European Ryder Cup captain, said on Tuesday he had been
diagnosed with lymphoma.
"I have been diagnosed with lymphoma and, pending further
tests, expect to be starting chemotherapy soon," he said in a
statement. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph nodes.
The PGA European Tour said in a statement that James had
withdrawn from the next five tournaments.
"Mark James is an outstanding individual with tremendous
resilience and we know that he will face whatever challenges
might lie ahead with great courage and commitment," said Ken
Schofield, executive director of the European Tour.
Mark James inpensive mood earlier in the year. Allsport.
James, a blunt-speaking Yorkshireman, resigned as joint
vice-captain of the 2001 Cup team in August after a
much-publicised row with Nick Faldo.
The pair had been at loggerheads since James suggested in
his book "Into the Bear Pit" that Faldo, who did not make the
team, had undermined Europe's Ryder Cup bid.
The 46-year-old, known affectionately on the circuit as
"Jesse", is an 18 times winner on the European Tour since he
turned professional in 1976.
