Golfer Gary Woodland Opens Up About PTSD After Brain Surgery

Woodland revealed his personal struggles since returning to the PGA Tour in 2024.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Professional golfer Gary Woodland has revealed that he is suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) after undergoing surgery to remove a brain lesion in 2023. Woodland, who won the 2019 U.S. Open, has been open about his mental health challenges, including instances of fear, anxiety, and emotional breakdowns while competing on the PGA Tour. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can help make a difference for others dealing with similar issues.

Why it matters

Woodland's openness about his PTSD diagnosis sheds light on the mental health challenges that professional athletes can face, even after overcoming physical injuries. His story highlights the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions in sports and providing proper support systems for athletes.

The details

Woodland recounted one instance at the 2025 Procore Championship in Napa, California, where he was overcome with fear and anxiety. He became hypervigilant, asked his caddie to not let anyone get behind him, and ultimately couldn't remember what he was doing or hit his shot. Woodland was on the verge of withdrawing but his caddie helped him through the episode. The golfer has also experienced other instances of crying in the scoring trailer and hiding in his car to deal with his emotions.

  • Woodland underwent surgery to remove a brain lesion in 2023.
  • Woodland made a triumphant return to the PGA Tour in 2024.
  • Woodland experienced a PTSD episode at the 2025 Procore Championship in Napa, California.

The players

Gary Woodland

A professional golfer who has won four PGA Tour events, including the 2019 U.S. Open. He has been open about his struggles with PTSD after undergoing brain surgery in 2023.

Brennan 'Butchie' Little

Woodland's caddie, who helped him through a PTSD episode during a tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I can't waste energy anymore hiding this, and I'm blessed with a lot of support out here on the Tour. Everyone's just been amazing. Every week I come out and everyone's so excited and happy that I'm back. I hear that every week — it's so nice to see you past this, it's so nice to see you 100 percent — and I appreciate that love and support. But inside, I feel like I'm dying, and I feel like I'm living a lie.”

— Gary Woodland (Golf Channel)

“I was hypervigilant. 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.”

— Gary Woodland (Golf Channel)

“It was my turn to hit and I couldn't hit. 'Butch said, 'Let's go in.' I said, 'No, man, I'm here for these guys. I want to fight through this.' I went into every bathroom to cry the rest of the day. When I got done, I got in my car and got out of there.”

— Gary Woodland (Golf Channel)

What’s next

Woodland commended the PGA Tour for putting in place extra security protocols to help him feel safer on the course, and he hopes that by sharing his story, he can help make a difference for others dealing with similar mental health challenges.

The takeaway

Woodland's openness about his PTSD diagnosis highlights the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions in sports and providing proper support systems for athletes. His story serves as a reminder that even the most successful and accomplished individuals can struggle with mental health issues, and that seeking help and support is a sign of strength, not weakness.