Battling Stage 3 Cancer, Newport National’s Hulme Named RI Golf Pro of Year
It has been a “trying” year and two months – to say the least – for Newport National Head Pro Chris Hulme.
Last year Hulme got the diagnosis that no-one wants to hear.
“I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. It all started from a routine colonoscopy, I had no symptoms whatsoever. I woke up from the colonoscopy and the doctor told me I’m 100% positive for colon cancer,” Hulme told GolfNewsRI on Friday.
Since then, Hulme has been at Dana-Farber in Boston, has had six surgeries, chemo and a colostomy bag for eight months, among other procedures.
“It’s been a grind. The last year was trying,” Hulme said.
On Friday, he was brought a little bit of joy when the New England PGA (NEPGA) announced him as the Rhode Island Golf Professional of the Year.
“I didn’t do anything different, I did what I had to do for my bosses. I never missed a day of work through this entire thing,” said Hulme.
Hulme has served as the Head Pro at Newport National since 2019, and has been a PGA Pro since 1998.
“To win the award is pretty cool because you are nominated by your peers, and that’s really what I think the top award is. Not only do you go over and beyond, but over and beyond and get recognized by your peers,” added Hulme.
He previously won the RI Assistant of the Year and Merchandiser of the Year.
While things are looking more positive as of late, Hulme’s battle with colon cancer will continue.
“I’m going back for my one-year colonoscopy and then I go back every three months. I can never say my cancer is in remission, I will never ring the bell, but just hoping it never comes back,” said Hulme.
He adds, “This has been an eye opener for me. Like I said, I had no symptoms. When you turn 45, go get a colonoscopy.”
Hulme’s Career
Prior to joining Newport National in 2019, Hulme was an Assistant Pro at Agawam Hunt, then Head Pro at Whitinsville and Sterling National.
As a golfer himself, Hulme was a U.S. Amateur National Qualifier, earned two top ten finishes at the NEPGA Section Championships and captained his collegiate golf team.
One of his greatest accomplishments was making the cut at a NEPGA Section Championship with a colostomy bag.
“I was shocked to make the cut. I had only played like six times prior to the championship, but I played well,” he said.
Hulme has also served on two NEPGA committees: the Ouimet Scholarship Fund and the Junior Golf Committee.
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Just curious why no mention of Chris’s years as head pro at Whitinsville Golf Club, where he had his first head professional job and a tenure longer than those at Agawam Hunt or Sterling.
Gary, thanks for the note. Whitinsville was not listed in Chris’ bio on the Newport National website. https://newportnational.com/team/christopher-hulme/ . I have added Whitinsville to the story. Have a good night.
Thanks, Joe! The members there, of which I was one, have fond memories of Chris and all he did for us and the club!