JESSAMINE COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — The red carpet was rolled out for a very special fan on Saturday at the Barbasol Championship.
10-year-old Rylan Crouch recently beat cancer and thanks to the Make-A-Wish-foundation, he had a one-of-a-kind experience.
Crouch is known to be a golf fanatic.
“Whenever you're trying to swing you driver, just try to keep your shoulder behind the ball,” Crouch told a group of media members at the Barbasol.
Participants may have caught him walking alongside the pros at the Barbasol Championship. That's because Crouch was the tournament's Make-A-Wish kid.
“It's pretty nice, getting to see all the players hit, of course the view,” said Crouch.
“There really are no words to describe, you know, how far he has come,” said Crouch's mom Bethany Crouch.
Crouch was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt's Lymphoma back in 2017 when doctors found masses all over his body. But, after undergoing chemotherapy treatment, his cancer is now in remission.
“Looking back, I think I don't know how we made it through, but so many people were praying for him, praying for us. He was stronger than we were, when we think about it,” said Crouch's mom.
Saturday was a celebration of Crouch's strength. He got to meet golfers like Sam Saunders, enjoy some kids activities, and he even took center stage at the press conference podium - where he didn't hold anything back.
“Mostly the driving range (referring to his favorite course Bay Hill), it's nice and cut and the greens are actually nice and smooth. Unlike some of the courses by my house. It's a public golf course not a private one,” said Crouch.
And LEX 18 told Crouch if golf doesn't work out - he may have a future in broadcasting.
“Does anyone have any other questions,” Crouch asked in the media center as many erupted in laughter.
