In 2023, Gary Woodland had brain surgery to remove a lesion pressing on his brain. Earlier this year, he revealed he was diagnosed with PTSD about a year ago.
And now, Woodland won the Texas Children’s Houston Open for his first win since the 2019 U.S. Open. What a journey.
“Anybody that’s struggling with something, I hope they see me and don’t give up, just keep fighting,” Woodland said as he wiped away tears on the 18th green moments after completing the long-sought victory.
Spectators chanted his name while Woodland waited to make his final shots on the 18th green, then erupted in cheers as he tapped in for the triumph then looked up and exhaled, then tearfully embraced his wife, Gabby.
“There’s no chance I could do this without Gabby for sure,” Woodland said. “This has been hard on me, and a lot harder on her and I love her to death.
“We play an individual sport out here but I wasn’t alone today. I’ve got a lot of people behind me, my team, my family and this golf world.”
Even in his moment of triumph, Woodland realized his battle with his own emotions is far from over.
“It’s just another day that I’ve got to keep healing. Today was a good day but I’m going to keep fighting,” he said. “I’ve got a big fight ahead of me and I’m going to keep going — but I’m proud of myself right now.”
With the victory, Woodland booked himself a spot in the Masters next month at Augusta National, where his best finish was a share of 14th in 2023.
“My game is better than it has ever been,” Woodland said. “I’ve got to battle some stuff with that but my game is (fine).”
Woodland, leading after 54 holes for the first time since his US Open victory at Pebble Beach, grabbed his fifth career title, a run that also includes the 2011 Transitions Championship, the 2013 Reno-Tahoe Open and 2018 Phoenix Open.
World number 139 Woodland, a Houston runner-up last year, became the seventh player age 40 or older to win the Houston title.
Defending champion Min Woo Lee of Australia shared third on 265 with American Johnny Keefer.
Article Link: WATCH: Woodland completes remarkable return to winner's circle