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Houston Today
By the People, for the People
Woodland Wins Houston Open for First PGA Title Since Surgery
Emotional victory comes 30 months after brain surgery and PTSD struggles
Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:55am
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Gary Woodland won the Houston Open on Sunday, an emotional moment that seemed so improbable 30 months ago when he had brain surgery, and even two weeks ago when he opened up about his frightening struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. Woodland looked better than ever at Memorial Park, taking a one-shot lead into the final round and stretching it to seven shots until coasting home to a trophy that felt as big as his U.S. Open title at Pebble Beach in 2019.
Why it matters
Woodland has been a popular figure and powerful player since he left a two-sport college career and joined the PGA Tour. But he began to struggle in 2023, only to learn he had a lesion on the part of his brain that caused unfounded fears that he was dying. His emotional victory at the Houston Open shows the power of perseverance and the importance of seeking help for mental health challenges.
The details
Woodland closed with a 3-under 67 to win by five shots ahead of Nicolai Hojgaard. The gallery paused chanting his name so Woodland could roll in a 5-foot par putt. He stretched both arms, exhaled and looked to the blue sky before his tears began pouring. Woodland reached 196 mph ball speed on one tee shot Sunday, and more striking was the smooth control he showed over every shot. He finished at 21-under 259 for his first victory since the U.S. Open, and the fifth of his career.
- Woodland had brain surgery in September 2023.
- Woodland returned to the PGA Tour in January 2024.
- Woodland opened up about his PTSD struggles two weeks ago in a Golf Channel interview.
- Woodland won the Houston Open on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
The players
Gary Woodland
A popular figure and powerful player on the PGA Tour who has overcome brain surgery and PTSD struggles to win his first PGA Tour title since the 2019 U.S. Open.
Nicolai Hojgaard
The runner-up at the Houston Open, who secured his position inside the top 50 in the world to earn an invitation to the Masters.
What they’re saying
“We play an individual sport out here, but I wasn't alone today. Anyone struggling with something, I hope they see me and don't give up. Just keep fighting.”
— Gary Woodland, PGA Tour Player
“We thought it was appropriate to let him have his moment. It was a pretty cool moment for Gary and it was cool to see. I'm really happy for him.”
— Nicolai Hojgaard, PGA Tour Player
What’s next
Woodland's victory at the Houston Open makes him eligible for the Masters in two weeks, where he will look to continue his comeback and compete for another major championship.
The takeaway
Woodland's emotional victory at the Houston Open is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of seeking help for mental health challenges. His story of overcoming brain surgery and PTSD to win on the PGA Tour will inspire others who are struggling with similar issues.
