Gary Woodland wins Houston Open for first PGA Tour title since brain surgery

Emotional victory comes 30 months after brain surgery and recent PTSD struggles

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:00am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant brushstrokes of neon colors capturing the raw energy and emotion of a golfer's triumphant swing and celebratory fist-pump.An emotional Gary Woodland celebrates his hard-fought victory at the Houston Open, a triumphant comeback after overcoming brain surgery and PTSD.Houston Today

Gary Woodland won the Houston Open on Sunday, an emotional victory that seemed improbable just 30 months ago when he underwent brain surgery. Woodland, who recently opened up about his battles with post-traumatic stress disorder, played a dominant final round at Memorial Park to claim his first PGA Tour title since his medical issues.

Why it matters

Woodland's comeback story resonates with golf fans, as he overcame significant health challenges to regain his form and win on the PGA Tour. His openness about his PTSD struggles also helps raise awareness of mental health issues that many athletes face.

The details

Woodland took control of the Houston Open with a strong final round, carding a 67 to finish at 15-under par and win by two strokes. The victory comes after a difficult stretch for Woodland, who underwent brain surgery in 2024 and has been open about his battles with PTSD in recent months.

  • Woodland had brain surgery 30 months ago in 2024.
  • Woodland opened up about his PTSD struggles just 2 weeks ago.

The players

Gary Woodland

A 37-year-old American professional golfer who won the 2019 U.S. Open and has now claimed his first PGA Tour title since undergoing brain surgery in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“We play an individual sport out here, but I wasn't alone today.”

— Gary Woodland, PGA Tour golfer

The takeaway

Woodland's emotional victory at the Houston Open serves as an inspiring comeback story, demonstrating the resilience of athletes who overcome significant health challenges to regain their form and achieve success at the highest levels of their sport.