Scottie Scheffler Praises Gary Woodland's Resilience

World No. 1 golfer reflects on longtime friendship and admiration for fellow PGA Tour pro.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:33pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a golf match or competition between two players, with the figures and elements of the scene broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.The close friendship between two of golf's top stars transcends the competitive nature of their sport.Dallas Today

Scottie Scheffler, the current world No. 1 golfer, has known Gary Woodland since they were both young members at the Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, Texas. Scheffler has long looked up to Woodland, a four-time major champion, and the two have become great friends over the years. Despite Woodland's recent struggles with PTSD following brain surgery, Scheffler praised his resilience and determination to continue competing on the PGA Tour.

Why it matters

The close relationship between Scheffler and Woodland highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect among top professional golfers, even as they compete against each other. Scheffler's comments also shine a light on the mental health challenges that some athletes face and the importance of having a strong support system.

The details

Scheffler, 29, used to watch Woodland, 41, practice at Royal Oaks when he was a young boy. The two have remained close, with Woodland recently saying that Scheffler is the best golfer in the world. Despite Woodland's ongoing battle with PTSD following successful brain surgery in 2023, Scheffler praised his friend's resilience and determination to continue competing on the PGA Tour.

  • Scheffler and Woodland have been members at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, Texas since they were young.
  • Woodland underwent successful brain surgery in 2023 to address his PTSD.
  • Scheffler and Woodland spoke to reporters after the third round of the RBC Heritage tournament on Saturday.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The current world No. 1 golfer who has known Gary Woodland since they were both young members at the Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, Texas.

Gary Woodland

A four-time major champion who has been struggling with PTSD since undergoing successful brain surgery in 2023, but remains determined to continue competing on the PGA Tour.

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What they’re saying

“Gary is a guy who I've looked up to for a long time. He worked with Randy a long time ago, starting when he was in college and when he was a young pro, and I was a young kid at Royal Oaks who was fortunate to be able to sit there and watch him practice.”

— Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1 Golfer

“What impresses me about Scottie? Everything, both on and off the golf course. He's just a stud. Does the right things. I learn visually, so being able to spend that much time around him and watch what he's doing, there's no doubt it's helped me and helped my game.”

— Gary Woodland, 4-Time Major Champion

What’s next

Scheffler and Woodland will continue to support each other as they compete on the PGA Tour, with Woodland looking to overcome his PTSD and regain his top form.

The takeaway

The close friendship between Scottie Scheffler and Gary Woodland demonstrates the camaraderie and mutual respect among elite golfers, even as they compete against each other. Scheffler's admiration for Woodland's resilience in the face of mental health challenges also highlights the importance of having a strong support system in professional sports.