Gary Woodland wins 2026 Houston Open after PTSD revelation

Golfer's emotional interview before Players Championship led to first victory since 2019 U.S. Open

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:58pm

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Gary Woodland won the 2026 Texas Children's Houston Open, his first victory since the 2019 U.S. Open, after recently revealing his struggles with PTSD following brain surgery in 2023. Woodland led by only one shot after 54 holes but pulled away on the back nine to win by five shots over Nicolai Hojgaard.

Why it matters

Woodland's victory is a powerful story of overcoming adversity, as he opened up about his PTSD diagnosis and the challenges he has faced off the course in recent years. His win will inspire others dealing with similar mental health issues and shows the resilience of professional athletes.

The details

Woodland, 41, said he felt a "1,000-pound weight" lifted off his shoulders after revealing his PTSD diagnosis in an emotional Golf Channel interview before the Players Championship. He made a key equipment change, switching back to his old stiffer iron shafts that allowed him to swing more aggressively. Woodland dominated the final round, leading by as many as seven shots at one point and finishing at 21-under par.

  • Woodland revealed his PTSD diagnosis 20 days before the Houston Open.
  • Woodland won the 2019 U.S. Open, his last victory before the Houston Open.

The players

Gary Woodland

A 41-year-old professional golfer who won the 2026 Texas Children's Houston Open, his first victory since the 2019 U.S. Open. Woodland recently opened up about his struggles with PTSD following brain surgery in 2023.

Nicolai Hojgaard

The runner-up at the 2026 Houston Open, finishing five shots behind Gary Woodland.

Min Woo Lee

The defending champion of the Houston Open, who walked the final hole with Woodland and Hojgaard to cheer on Woodland's victory.

Randy Smith

Woodland's golf coach, who told him he needed to start swinging harder at the ball like he did when he won the U.S. Open.

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What they’re saying

“It felt like I had a 1,000-pound weight lifted off my shoulders after telling the world of my diagnosis.”

— Gary Woodland, Professional Golfer

What’s next

Woodland's victory at the Houston Open qualifies him for the Masters tournament in two weeks.

The takeaway

Woodland's emotional journey and triumphant return to the winner's circle after overcoming PTSD serves as an inspiring example of the power of perseverance and mental health awareness in sports.