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Cancer survivor Southgate cherishing every second at Troon (The Associated Press)

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Matthew Southgate of England plays his shot on the 6th fairway during a practice round for the British …

TROON, Scotland (AP) -- Matthew Southgate was laid up on his sofa during the 2015 British Open at St. Andrews, barely able to move following surgery for testicular cancer.

Thankful to be alive, he initially figured his career as a European Tour pro was ''dead and buried.'' Doctors told him it would be a long process before he could even swing a club again.

Yet, there he was on Tuesday, walking down the 18th fairway under sunny skies at Royal Troon in the company of Rory McIlroy, preparing for his second attempt at the claret jug.