HIGHLY popular Australian golfer Jarrod Lyle has made the heartbreaking decision to cease active treatment in his third cancer fight and begin palliative care.

Lyle has twice battled and beaten acute myeloid leukaemia — once in 1998 and again in 2012.

However, in July last year the 36-year-old’s cancer returned for a third time. Earlier this month Lyle’s wife Briony spoke about the “mystery” symptoms that had impacted Lyle’s eyesight and speech.

Late on Tuesday night she took to Facebook to give the latest update on her husband’s condition.

LYLE’S BATTLE HAS BEEN LONG AND TORTUROUS, BUT HE’S NEVER STOPPED SMILING

media_camera Jarrod Lyle has made the heartbreaking decision to cease active treatment in cancer fight and begin palliative care.

media_camera Jarrod Lyle with his daughter Jemma. Picture: Instagram

“My heart breaks as I type this message,” she wrote.

“Earlier today Jarrod made the decision to stop active treatment and begin palliative care. He has given everything that he’s got to give, and his poor body cannot take anymore. We’ll be taking him closer to home in the next couple of days so he can finally leave the hospital.

“There is simply not enough time to get this message out to everyone individually, so for some of our really close friends and family I cannot apologise enough for breaking the news in this way.

“We have done our best to ‘control’ the narrative surrounding Jarrod’s illness and treatment, and as more and more people become involved in this final process I’m not sure how much longer this development will remain private.

media_camera Jarrod Lyle with his daughter while in hospital.

“Jarrod knows he is loved, and the thousands of prayers and well wishes that have been sent his way have kept him going through some incredibly tough times. But he has reached his limit, and the docs have finally agreed that they can no longer strive for a positive outcome.

“My focus as of today is on our girls and doing whatever I can to get them through the challenges ahead. Jarrod will be closer to them very soon, and will spend as much time as he can with them.

media_camera Jarrod Lyle competing in the Queensland Open. Picture: Mark Caleja

“When it’s appropriate, I will post details of a memorial service. In the meantime we ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

Lyle, from Shepparton, country Victoria, played in Australia and on the US PGA Tour before stepping away from full-time golf in recent years.

He has two professional wins during his career, both coming on the Web.com Tour.

Former golfer Mark Allen told Macquarie Sports Radio that Jarrod Lyle had fans across the globe, particularly in the United States.

“He was always a loud character on the tour over there, and he was a very proud Australian and I think people loved him being Australian over there in America – he’s got lots of fans over there,” said Allen.

“This will resonate right around the world.”

Premier Daniel Andrews sent the Lyle family a text last night after hearing the news.

“He’s a fantastic Victorian and we are all very sadden to hear that despite his fight, despite his passion to be there for his family and friends, it looks like things have taken a turn for the worst,” Mr Andrews said.

“He’s a very good person and someone who’s a mate. I’m just sending our love, our support and our prayers to his wife and his kids and to his extended family.

“Everyone in Victoria feels for his family today and certainly those of us who know him through golf, a game we all love, we send our best wishes to him.”

Life is precious and we all take it for granted too often - seeing the picture of @jarrodlylepga hugging his family with not long to live brought tears to my eyes. Peace be with you, you will be missed Jarrod x — Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) July 31, 2018

Just heard the news about Jarrod Lyle. Life is very precious and you have been so strong. We are thinking and praying for you and your family now more than ever. - Ernie, Liezl, Samantha and Ben — Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) July 31, 2018

Simply heartbreaking. Love and strength to Jarrod and his family. xx https://t.co/nAz7I4XYJa — Sharelle McMahon (@SharelleMcMahon) July 31, 2018

Thoughts with Jarrod, his family and friends ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/vsRzVd0ju3 — Thomas Bjorn (@thomasbjorngolf) July 31, 2018

Life is precious and we all take it for granted too often - seeing the picture of @jarrodlylepga hugging his family with not long to live brought tears to my eyes. Peace be with you, you will be missed Jarrod x — Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) July 31, 2018

Just reading the bad news on Jarrod Lyle... I was afraid this day was coming. Jarrod is a fighter both on and off the course and was always great to play with. Prayers to him his and his beautiful family! 🙏🙏 — Kyle Thompson (@KyleThompsonPGA) July 31, 2018

Arguably the toughest tweet we've ever had to post. Puts golf into full perspective. Please rally around Jarrod Lyle and his brave family in your own way -- possibly sharing a few coins for Challenge Cancer. https://t.co/3wlhBDjzTn — Golf Australia (@GolfAust) July 31, 2018

Jarrod Lyle update. We need a miracle for this great man please🙏🙏 https://t.co/ET18qD1TF2 — Greg Chalmers (@GregChalmersPGA) July 31, 2018

Gut-wrenching news to wake up to. Sadly, the end is nigh. Send all your love to Jarrod, Briony & their sweet, sweet girls. #JarrodLyle to me is simply the face of courage. pic.twitter.com/cB32dP9B1h — Luke Elvy (@Luke_Elvy) July 31, 2018

Thinking of Jarrod Lyle and his fam today. Sad news from down under. The man always made ppl laugh and wore a smile 24-7. Prayin for miracle — Willy Wilcox (@willwilcoxgolf) July 31, 2018

I can't understand a world where someone as beloved as Jarrod Lyle has to say goodbye to his wife and children at 36. Heartbreaking. The older I get, the more uncertain I am of anything. — Ryan Ballengee (@RyanBallengee) July 31, 2018

Jarrod Lyle is being placed in palliative care after third bout with cancer. Sad turn for one of the toughest men I’ve ever met. https://t.co/wX6Nwi8pRT — Rex Hoggard (@RexHoggardGC) July 31, 2018