In a perfect comeback tale, Jeff Klauk wouldnt be at Crestview Country Club this week preparing to play in his ninth Air Capital Classic.
Klauk would be in Pennsylvania teeing it up at the U.S. Open. Or hed be home in Florida, getting some rest and relaxation for next weeks PGA Tour event.
But the 35-year-old Klauks golf career has been all about patience. And as the 2003 Air Capital Classic champion continues his return from time off for epilepsy treatment, the site of his first Web.com Tour victory isnt a bad place to be.
I missed playing everywhere last year, but Wichita holds a special place, Klauk said. With what people did for me here last year, its amazing all the support I have.
During last years tournament, Klauk was two months removed from brain surgery that determined the location of his neurological disorder, which first surfaced in 2006. He was scheduled to have a second procedure last August to remove damaged tissue, but chose to forego it and treat his condition with medication.
While Klauk was home recuperating, his host family during his tournament stays in Wichita took action. Rick and Vicky Heibsch organized an Epilepsy Awareness Day during last years second round at Crestview. Pins, lavender ribbons and informational flyers about epilepsy were distributed.
Klauk worked on his game last summer and ended a 15-month tour hiatus at the Albertsons Boise Open. He played in four Web.com events before finishing 2012 at the PGA Tour qualifying tournament.
Klauk said the medication Vimpat allowed him to focus on his return to golf instead of undergoing the invasive second surgery.
It just wasnt worth the risk at the time, Klauk said. My problem is on the front left side, which controls motor skills. After that first surgery, they put me on (Vimpat) and it actually changed my life.
Klauk had to give up driving after suffering a complex partial seizure late in 2010 while transporting his family to church. The medication has allowed him to regain that privilege.
Go here to read the rest:
Back on Web.com Tour, Klauk ready to play at one of favorite stops