Golfer Gary Woodland Opens Up About PTSD Struggle After Brain Surgery

The four-time PGA Tour winner details the emotional toll of his return to golf following a 2023 procedure to remove a brain lesion.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Gary Woodland, a four-time PGA Tour winner, has candidly described his ongoing battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after undergoing surgery to remove a brain lesion in 2023. Despite the procedure resolving the seizures he had been experiencing, Woodland continued to deal with symptoms of PTSD such as anxiety and hypervigilance, which have made his return to golf emotionally challenging.

Why it matters

Woodland's openness about his mental health struggles highlights the challenges that professional athletes can face, even after overcoming physical injuries or health issues. His story also underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns and seeking support, especially for those in high-pressure, public-facing careers.

The details

Woodland detailed a particularly difficult experience last fall on the green in Napa, California, where a walking scorer startled him from behind, causing him to become disoriented and his eyesight to blur. Afterward, Woodland said he "went in every bathroom to cry the rest of the day" and "got in my car and got out of there." Since then, Woodland has worked with the PGA Tour to implement measures to help him feel more at ease on the course, including having security personnel accompany him.

  • Woodland underwent surgery to remove a brain lesion in 2023.
  • Woodland resumed competition in January 2024.
  • Woodland experienced a particularly difficult episode on the green in Napa, California, last fall.

The players

Gary Woodland

A four-time PGA Tour winner who has been battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after undergoing surgery to remove a brain lesion in 2023.

Gabby Woodland

Gary Woodland's wife, with whom he shares son Jaxon, 8, and twin daughters Maddox and Lennox, 6.

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What they’re saying

“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.' 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 went in 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)

“We've been in contact with security. They put protocols in place where I feel safe now. They have people with me. I see the tour security. The more we learn, we're able to put protocols in place to help me.”

— Gary Woodland (Golf Channel)

What’s next

The PGA Tour is continuing to work with Gary Woodland to implement measures to help him feel more comfortable and supported on the course as he navigates his PTSD.

The takeaway

Gary Woodland's openness about his mental health struggles after brain surgery highlights the importance of professional athletes and other public figures being willing to share their experiences in order to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and encourage others to seek help when needed.