Mayfair undergoes cancer surgery

GRAND BLANC, Michigan, Aug 6 (Reuters) Former Buick Open champion Billy Mayfair was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery this week.

''I'm doing well and I want to thank everyone for their well wishes and support, and especially want to thank Dr. Brito and the Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Hospital for the urgency they displayed in dealing with my health and well-being,'' Mayfair said in a statement read during third-round television coverage of the Buick Open yesterday.

Detroit newspapers said Mayfair learned of the cancer on Monday after arriving in Grand Blanc and immediately withdrew from the tournament to return home to Phoenix.

Winner of the Buick Open in 1998 and five PGA tour titles, Mayfair, who turns 40 today, could return to the tour for the PGA Championship scheduled for Aug. 17-20 at Medinah.

Reuters AY DB0948