Gary Woodland clinched the Houston Open on Monday, a poignant triumph that seemed nearly impossible 30 months prior when he underwent brain surgery, and only two weeks ago when he bravely addressed his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Displaying an impressive performance at Memorial Park, Woodland headed into the final round with a one-shot lead, which he extended to seven shots, eventually cruising to a win that felt as monumental as his US Open victory at Pebble Beach in 2019.
He concluded the tournament with a 3-under 67, finishing five shots clear of Nicolai Hojgaard and securing a prize purse of $2.6 million. The crowd momentarily hushed as Woodland prepared to roll in a 5-foot par putt; he raised both arms, breathed deeply, and gazed at the blue sky before tears began to flow.
Gary Woodland and caddie Brennan Little celebrate on the 18th green after their win. Getty
In his post-round comments, Woodland struggled to maintain his composure as the weight of the moment sank in.
“Although we compete as individuals, I wasn’t alone out there today,” Woodland said, his voice trembling with emotion.
“For anyone facing challenges, I hope they see my journey and persevere. Just keep fighting.”
Walood has enjoyed a loyal following and made a mark since transitioning from a dual-sport collegiate career to the PGA Tour. However, struggles emerged in 2023 when he discovered a lesion on his brain, causing overwhelming fears about his health.
A procedure in September 2023, which involved removing a significant portion of the lesion through a baseball-sized hole in his head, marked a turning point. His return to professional play in January 2024 appeared promising, especially when he finished as the runner-up at the previous Houston Open.
Yet, Woodland battled with severe PTSD, even breaking down in tears after rushing to a portable restroom during a tournament overwhelmed by emotion. He chose to share these struggles publicly in an interview with the Golf Channel just two weeks ago.
Gary Woodland embraces wife Gabby Granado on the 18th green after winning the Texas Children’s Houston Open. Getty
“I can’t thank everyone enough for their love and support. But deep down, I feel like I’m secretly fighting a battle, and it feels like I’m living a lie,” he confessed during the interview.
“I yearn to fulfil my dreams and achieve success out here, while also wanting to support others. I’ve come to realise that I first need to help myself.”
He expressed that opening up about his struggles had lifted a weight off his shoulders, likening it to feeling “1000 pounds lighter”.
Woodland’s physical prowess remained intact, illustrated by an impressive 196mph ball speed on one of his tee shots on Monday, complemented by remarkable control over his game.
He finished the tournament at 21-under 259, marking his first victory since the US Open and the fifth of his career. This triumph also granted him a highly coveted spot in the Masters in just two weeks’ time.
Gary Woodland celebrates. Getty
Hojgaard fell behind after a double bogey on the par-5 seventh hole. He finished with a 71, but his consolation was securing his spot in the top 50 in the world, which ensures him an invitation to the Masters.
Both Hojgaard and defending champion Min Woo Lee (67) opted to hang back on the way to the 18th green to allow Woodland to relish his moment, a gesture rarely seen outside major tournaments, highlighting Woodland’s popularity in the sport.
“We thought it was fitting to let him have this special moment,” said Hojgaard.
“It was a brilliant moment for Gary, and it was wonderful to witness. I’m truly happy for him.”
Feeling a sense of relief after revealing his PTSD battles, Woodland also received technical assistance with his golf. He adopted a new putter to enhance his alignment and consulted coach Randy Smith about transitioning to stiffer shafts in his irons, as his regained speed improved his shot control.
Gary Woodland of the United States waves to the crowd in tears. Getty
Throughout the final hour of play, particularly as the outcome became clear on the 18th hole, maintaining his emotions proved impossible.
He acknowledged that while this was a splendid day, the battle against his recovery from brain surgery continues.
“It’s just another day. Today was a good day,” Woodland said, a smile spreading across his face accompanied by a quiet chuckle.
“But there’s still a significant fight ahead of me, and I’m determined to continue. However, at this moment, I’m proud of my accomplishments.”
His wife, Gabby, stayed at his side throughout all 18 holes while their three children were at home. Woodland has credited her as a crucial support during his surgery and the challenges that followed. “This has been tough on me, but it’s been much harder on her,” he noted.
This win propels him just outside the top 50 in the world rankings and opens the door to all major events on the remaining PGA Tour schedule.
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