Gary Woodland Wins Emotional First PGA Tour Title After Brain Surgery, PTSD Diagnosis

Woodland fought back tears after his five-shot victory at the Texas Children's Houston Open, his first win since the 2019 U.S. Open.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:24pm

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Gary Woodland, who underwent brain surgery and was diagnosed with PTSD in recent years, won the Texas Children's Houston Open on Sunday for his first PGA Tour victory since the 2019 U.S. Open. Woodland fought back tears after the dominant five-shot win, crediting his wife, Gabby, and his support team for helping him through his health struggles.

Why it matters

Woodland's comeback from brain surgery and a PTSD diagnosis is one of the most remarkable stories in golf in recent years. His emotional win highlights the challenges professional athletes can face with mental and physical health, and how perseverance and support can help overcome those obstacles.

The details

Woodland's health issues began in 2023 when he started experiencing symptoms like loss of appetite, shaky hands, and recurring nightmares that would jolt him awake. He underwent brain surgery in September 2023 to remove part of a lesion, and while the fear subsided after the procedure, he was later diagnosed with PTSD. Woodland has been open about his struggles, including crying in bathrooms and wanting to withdraw from tournaments due to his condition. But on Sunday, he cruised to a dominant five-shot win at the Texas Children's Houston Open, his first victory since the 2019 U.S. Open.

  • Woodland underwent brain surgery in September 2023.
  • Woodland was diagnosed with PTSD earlier this month, ahead of The Players Championship.
  • Woodland won the Texas Children's Houston Open on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Gary Woodland

A professional golfer who won the 2019 U.S. Open but has battled health issues in recent years, including brain surgery and a PTSD diagnosis.

Gabby Woodland

Gary Woodland's wife, who he credited for supporting him through his health struggles.

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What they’re saying

“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, in this golf world. Everybody that's struggling with something, I hope they see me and don't give up. Just keep fighting.”

— Gary Woodland, Professional Golfer

“Thank you. I wouldn't be anywhere before this without them. There's no chance I could do this without Gabby, for sure. This has been hard on me, this has been a lot harder on her. I love her to death.”

— Gary Woodland, Professional Golfer

What’s next

Woodland will look to build on his emotional comeback win and continue his fight against PTSD as he competes on the PGA Tour.

The takeaway

Woodland's inspiring victory after overcoming brain surgery and a PTSD diagnosis serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of support and perseverance in the face of adversity.