Professional player reveals shocking details about kidney stones that kept him away from the Players Championship.

Ryan Fox, the New Zealand golfer who dazzled on the greens, had to withdraw from the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass due to an unexpected and extremely painful issue: kidney stones. His revelation, made through social media on the morning the tournament began, left many questioning the limits of what athletes endure for their sport. “Unfortunately, some kidney stones knocked me down on Tuesday night, and I had to have surgery in the afternoon,” Fox said. “I hope to have a quick recovery and be back soon.”

Fox’s sudden exit from the tournament was a shock, especially considering his promising performance up to that point. However, the severity of the situation became clear after his vivid description of what actually occurred. In his appearance on the Golf Channel, Fox shared that the doctor was optimistic that if he could pass the stone naturally overnight, he might even compete in the tournament. “Maybe with some painkillers, and maybe I would be a bit out of it. But still, I would have at least tried,” he revealed.

Unfortunately, the night did not bring relief. Fox returned to the emergency room at six in the morning on Thursday, where the reality became undeniable. “I knew I definitely wouldn’t be playing. The doctor looked at me and said, ‘there’s no way to get through this now, we have to go in there and fix the problem.’” The description of the procedure was nothing short of graphic: “They ended up using a laser in places they shouldn’t have, and the stones were broken up and suctioned out. I had a small tube in there for a week. It wasn’t a very fun time. I’m glad that’s over.”

His frankness about the experience is noteworthy. Fox did not hesitate to share what many might consider too intimate, but this honesty is a testament to the strength and resilience that characterize elite athletes. For him, being back on the golf course and in good physical shape less than two weeks after surgery is truly remarkable. What could have been a devastating setback has turned into a story of overcoming and determination.

Fox’s courage in facing adversity and his willingness to share the details of his personal battle with kidney stones will surely resonate with golf fans and athletes in general. The world of sports is often overshadowed by statistics and victories, but moments like this remind us of the humanity behind the athletes. And now, Fox is back, ready to face new challenges at the Houston Open, showing that, despite the challenges, the passion for the sport never dies.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.