The PGA Tour and LIV Golf are often at odds, but Gary Woodland bridged that gap even if it’s for a fleeting moment. After battling back from brain surgery, the PGA Tour veteran received a wave of support from a LIV Golf rival.
Despite the tour rivalry, Graeme McDowell posted on X on Monday, “Man, I’m so happy for Gary Woodland. What an inspirational story. Not a dry eye in the house. Special guy.”
The 2019 U.S. Open winner’s situation goes back to mid-2023, when he began dealing with symptoms linked to a neurological issue.
That same year in September, he underwent a craniotomy to remove a lesion affecting the part of the brain connected to fear and anxiety, after facing ongoing anxiety, tremors, and a fear of death.
As Gary Woodland returned to play, he faced PTSD. On a March 9 interview with the Golf Channel, he revealed just how bad things got while talking about competing at the 2025 Procore Championship.
“A walking scorer startled me, got close to me from behind. I pulled my caddie (Brennan “Butchie” Little) and said, ‘You can’t let anybody get behind me.’ Next thing you know, I couldn’t remember what I was doing. My eyesight started to get blurry,” said Woodland.
However, all his struggles paid off at the Houston Open.
Gary Woodland Wins His First Title Since the 2019 U.S. Open
Gary Woodland secured his first win since 2019 by finishing at 21 under and closing out the event with a final round of 67, ending a gap of seven years between titles on the PGA Tour.
Woodland finished five shots ahead of Nicolai Højgaard to take the title in Texas, marking his return to winning form after his last major win at the U.S. Open.
As the final putt dropped, he raised his arms and looked up before breaking down and embracing his wife, later saying he did not go through the day alone and pointing to the people around him who helped him continue.
He said he is still dealing with recovery and plans to keep going, while also thanking his family and noting the role they played in helping him reach that moment.