Erik Van Rooyen’s recent emotional statement has left supporters perplexed and anxious, with some assuming that he has cancer. Erik Van Rooyen is a South African professional golfer who now competes on the European and PGA Tours. Rooyen won twice on the PGA Tour and once on the European Tour. Following an emotional interview a few days earlier, many expressed worry about him, and some are unsure if he has cancer. Erik Van Rooyen was born on February 21, 1990 in Bellville, South Africa, to Wim and Elize Van Rooyen.
Van attended the University of Minnesota from 2009 to 2013 and won the 2012 Minnesota State Amateur while there. Rooyen began his professional career in 2013 and has competed on the Sunshine Tour since then. His first win came in 2017 when he won the Eye of Africa PGA Championship. He won his maiden European Tour title at the Scandinavian Invitation, held at Hills Golf & Sports Club just outside of Sweden. Rooyen went on to win the PGA Tour and the World Wide Technology Championship in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
Does Erik Van Rooyen Have Cancer?
Erik van Rooyen got tragic news after winning his second PGA TOUR championship at the World Wide Technology Championship. His close buddy, who had been in remission from cancer, got the devastating news that the illness had returned and spread throughout his body. Van Rooyen said that his buddy had been given a prognosis of six to ten weeks, or even fewer.
He added, “Look at my ball; it has the letters ‘JT’ and is for my closest buddy, Jon Trasamar. He has melanoma and is not going to make it.” He went on to say, “And every shot out there was for me. And when you’re competing for something more important than a ridiculous trophy, it puts things in perspective, and at the end of the day, whether I won or lost here didn’t matter.”
Rooyen then uploaded a selfie of himself holding the trophy, kissing it, with the comment, “For my best friend, Jon.” Many followers showed compassion for Eric, while others were bewildered by the circumstances. Fans praised Erik, saying, “This is the definition of a true friend.” Throughout the game, he managed to keep his emotions at bay. Another admirer said, “Heartbreaking and heroic.” Peace to Jon, his family, and friends. The whole Gopher Nation is sending their warmest prayers.”
Erik and Jon Trasamar’s Friendship
Erik Van Rooyen first met Trasamar when he traveled from South Africa to Minnesota to pursue college. When Van was 19 years old, he left his family to study overseas. on and his family lived about two hours from Minneapolis, where Van was pursuing his studies. Erik and Jon became roommates, teammates, and closest friends soon after. Trasamar even acted as best man at Erik Van’s wedding. After being close friends for almost a decade, Van was overcome with emotion when he learned the devastating news.
