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Bay Hill Today
By the People, for the People
Golfer Gary Woodland Opens Up About PTSD Diagnosis
The 2019 U.S. Open champion discusses his mental health struggles after brain surgery in 2023.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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PGA Tour golfer and 2019 U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland was diagnosed with PTSD after undergoing brain surgery in September 2023 to remove the part of his brain that was causing him to experience seizures. Woodland, 41, candidly discussed the journey he's faced since the surgery, including the mental toll it has taken on him and how he is still "struggling" with PTSD.
Why it matters
Woodland's openness about his PTSD diagnosis sheds light on the mental health challenges that professional athletes can face, even after successful medical procedures. His story highlights the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues and providing support for those who are battling invisible illnesses.
The details
During Woodland's brain surgery in 2023, doctors were able to remove the part of his brain that was causing him to experience seizures. However, Woodland then faced an unforeseen challenge - he was diagnosed with PTSD a year later. Woodland said the PTSD has manifested itself on the golf course, where he is constantly "searching for threats" and has had episodes where he has become hypervigilant and emotional, even breaking down in tears during a tournament.
- Woodland underwent brain surgery in September 2023.
- Woodland was diagnosed with PTSD a year later, in 2024.
- Woodland had an episode of PTSD symptoms during a tournament in Napa, California in September 2025.
The players
Gary Woodland
A PGA Tour golfer and the 2019 U.S. Open champion who was diagnosed with PTSD after undergoing brain surgery in 2023.
Gabby Woodland
Gary Woodland's wife, with whom he has three children.
Brennan 'Butch' Little
Gary Woodland's caddie.
What they’re saying
“I'm still struggling. It's been hard. It's a battle that I didn't understand when it started.”
— Gary Woodland (Golf Channel)
“I can't waste energy anymore hiding this. I'm blessed with a lot of support out here. The Tour and everyone has been amazing. Every week I come out and everyone's so excited and happy that I'm back.”
— Gary Woodland (Golf Channel)
“I hear every week, 'It's so nice to see you passed this, it's so nice to see you a hundred percent.' I appreciate that love and support, but inside I feel like I'm dying. I feel like I'm living a lie. I don't want to waste energy on that anymore. I want to focus my energy on me and my recovery, my dreams out here, my family.”
— Gary Woodland (Golf Channel)
What’s next
Woodland said he is not yet ready to discuss all the details of his PTSD battle, but hopes that by opening up about his struggles, he can provide hope to others who are also battling mental health issues.
The takeaway
Woodland's openness about his PTSD diagnosis is a powerful reminder that even elite athletes can face invisible mental health challenges, and that destigmatizing these issues and providing support is crucial for helping people like Woodland recover and thrive.
