PGA Veteran Woodland Reveals PTSD Struggles After Brain Surgery

Woodland opens up about his mental health challenges following a 2023 procedure that halted his seizures.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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PGA Tour veteran Gary Woodland revealed he has been battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the brain surgery he underwent 2 1/2 years ago. Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, returned to the tour the following January but has struggled with his mental health, including incidents where he has broken down in tears on the course. Woodland hopes that by speaking out, he can help others who are also dealing with mental health issues.

Why it matters

Woodland's openness about his PTSD struggles sheds light on the mental health challenges that professional athletes can face, even after recovering from physical injuries or procedures. His story highlights the need for greater awareness and support for mental health in sports.

The details

In September 2023, Woodland underwent brain surgery to address a lesion and halt his seizures. While he was able to return to the PGA Tour the following January, Woodland has continued to battle PTSD. He has described incidents where he has been triggered by tournament staff, causing him to break down in tears on the course. Woodland has said he doesn't want to "live that way anymore" and hopes that by sharing his story, he can help others who are also struggling with mental health issues.

  • Woodland underwent brain surgery in September 2023.
  • Woodland returned to the PGA Tour in January 2024.
  • Woodland had an emotional incident at a tournament in Napa, California last fall.

The players

Gary Woodland

A PGA Tour veteran and the 2019 U.S. Open champion who has been battling PTSD following brain surgery in 2023.

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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% -- 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 stepped aside, I pulled my caddie and said, 'This stuff is hitting me, man. 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. And a hole later, I just said (to my caddie) ... 'I can't handle it.' And I start bawling in the middle of the fairway. It was my turn to hit, and I couldn't hit.”

— Gary Woodland (Golf Channel)

“I want to help people, too. I realize now I've got to help myself first -- and hopefully this is the first step in doing that.”

— Gary Woodland (Golf Channel)

What’s next

Woodland plans to continue working on his mental health and hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others who are also struggling.

The takeaway

Woodland's openness about his PTSD struggles highlights the importance of addressing mental health challenges in professional sports and the need for greater support and resources for athletes dealing with these issues.