At a time when Karrie Webb and Laura Davies were giants of international golf, Fiona Pike had the game to mix it with the best golfers in the world.
At a time when Karrie Webb and Laura Davies were giants of international golf, Fiona Pike had the game to mix it with the best golfers in the world.
Her professional career highlights are all the evidence needed:
Prior to turning to the professional tour, Fiona Pike was an outstanding amateur golfer, winning the SA Amateur Championship in 1993 and 1994 plus numerous additional tournaments.
She played Pennant Golf for the Blackwood Club.
It was in 2005, shortly after retiring from her 13-year life as a professional that doctors found a deep skull-based tumour.
Not to be deterred, in 2006 Fiona Pike led the SA women’s amateur team to their first victory in 70 years at the 2006 Gladys Hay Memorial Interstate series. Fiona Pike was team captain.
That team was team later awarded the SA Sports team of the year.
However, in that same year, the deep skull-based tumour was eventually diagnosed as melanoma.
From a cancer awareness viewpoint, it’s important to note here that even though her tumour did not present as a skin lesion that could have been screened, tested or detected, more than 99 per cent of melanomas do present on the skin surface.
Tragically, following major surgeries and after a brave and stoic three-year battle, she passed away in March 2009.
She took up the skin cancer-awareness program with dedication. Her influential legacy continues with this message:
“I don’t want anyone to experience this terrible disease. The typical Aussie outdoor lifestyle means we are all at significantly increased risk of skin cancer and we need to be vigilant in protecting our skin and checking for changes. This mostly preventable disease can be picked up early by checking your own skin and having changes seen by a doctor. Please join my campaign and reduce skin cancer risks to all”.
The Fiona Pike Skin Cancer Awareness in recent years has worked in partnership with the ALPG to raise skin cancer awareness and funds for Cancer Council at ALPG events.
The SA Women’s A2 Pennant competition has also been re-titled the ‘Pike Cup’ after Fiona Pike.
