Gary Woodland Triumphs at the Houston Open
HOUSTON — Gary Woodland celebrated a significant victory at the Houston Open on Sunday. It was a deeply emotional moment, especially considering the journey he’s been on since undergoing brain surgery 30 months ago and recently discussing his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Woodland seemed in peak form at Memorial Park, taking a one-shot advantage into the final round and ultimately extending that lead to seven strokes, resembling the glory of his 2019 U.S. Open title at Pebble Beach.
With a closing score of 3-under 67, he secured the win by five strokes over Nikolai Hujgaard. The crowd paused their cheers as Woodland lined up a 5-foot par putt. He extended his arms, took a deep breath, glanced up at the sky, and tears began to stream down his face.
“We play an individual sport here, but I wasn’t alone today,” Woodland said, his voice trembling. “If you’re struggling, I hope my journey inspires you to keep fighting.”
Woodland has been a fan favorite since joining the PGA Tour, following his collegiate success in two sports. However, in 2023, he faced a frightening diagnosis—an unwanted lesion in his brain leading to severe anxiety about his own mortality.
During surgery in September 2023, doctors removed a lesion by creating a hole the size of a baseball in his head. His return in January 2024 looked impressive, especially after finishing runner-up at the Houston Open last year.
Despite this, Woodland battled with PTSD and was so overwhelmed with feelings that he found himself in a portable toilet, crying. He opened up about these challenges in a recent interview with Golf Channel.
“I appreciate all the love and support, but inside, I feel like I’m withering away,” he shared. “I aim to be successful here, but I also want to help others. I’ve come to realize that I need to focus on my own well-being first.”
He noted that speaking publicly about his struggles felt “like a weight had been lifted.”
Physically, Woodland certainly proved his strength, achieving a ball speed of 296 mph on one particular shot, but what stood out more was his consistent control throughout the game.
He finished at 21-under 259, marking his first victory since the U.S. Open, and his fifth overall. This win also earned him a place in the Masters in just two weeks.
Hujgaard faced a double bogey on the par-5 seventh, which impacted his performance, but he managed a consolation score of 71, securing a spot within the top 50 globally and ensuring his invitation to the Masters.
Both Hodgegaard and defending champion Lee Min-woo paused on their way to the 18th green, allowing Woodland a moment of recognition—an act not commonly seen outside major tournaments, showcasing his popularity in the sport.
“We thought it was fitting to let him have that moment,” Hodgegaard remarked. “It was a special time for Gary, and I’m genuinely happy for him.”
Woodland found solace in sharing his PTSD narrative and even adopted some technical changes in his game. He switched to a new putter for better alignment, consulted with his coach, and opted for stiffer shafts in his irons due to his regained speed and improved shot control.
As the reality of his win sank in on the 18th hole, he couldn’t contain his emotions.
But he reminded everyone that while he achieved this victory, the road to recovery from brain surgery continues.
“Every day is just another day. Today was a great day,” Woodland commented with a smile, chuckling lightly. “I’m committed to moving forward because I still have challenges ahead. Yet, I’m proud of who I am right now.”
His wife, Gabby, supported him throughout the tournament alongside their three children. Woodland expressed gratitude, acknowledging her vital role in his recovery journey. “It’s been tough for me, but even tougher for her,” he reflected.
This victory also propels him outside the world’s top 50, granting him access to every premier event remaining on the PGA Tour schedule.
