Surgical par-5 strikes gives Holmes lead

ALBANY (THE BAHAMAS): The past has taught JB Holmes to stay appreciative of the present. More so, if it’s linked to well being. Tiger Woods may have slipped on the opening day of the Hero World Challenge despite shooting five birdies, but that’s incidental for Holmes. “Coming out and playing pretty good” after the long layoff mattered more to the 34-year-old.

Like Tiger, Holmes has experienced the pangs of separation from golf and the uncertainty if he would return. More than five years have passed since a spate of surgeries kept him away, but he’s gone on to win two more times on the PGA Tour, and the past hasn’t blurred.

At eight-under 64, the burly golfer holds a one-shot lead, and though these are early days at the Championship Golf Course, Thursday’s round reflected the form he’s in. Six top-six finishes this season, including two at The Masters and Open Championship, Holmes’ well-rounded play — the driver, irons and putter working to satisfaction, he’s in a state of contentment.

However, those days on the hospital bed, hopelessness gnawing at him, aren’t remembered during competition only. Even when home in Orlando, the closet is rarely opened, but that the past is carefully preserved is immensely comforting.

In the summer of 2011, Holmes was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a structural defect in the cerebellum, which caused headache and vertigo. It was mistaken initially as an ear or sinus infection, but a near fall and some poor finishes got him to take note.

Surgery was carried out but

complications led to another procedure. There was relief but the family was left horrified when Holmes asked the surgeon if he could take home the piece of the skull that had been removed.

Some attributed it to incoherent thinking, but Holmes was adamant on taking the “bit of him” home. There was no way he