Gary Woodland wins Houston Open after brain surgery

Woodland's emotional victory comes 30 months after undergoing brain surgery.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:53pm

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Gary Woodland won the Houston Open on Sunday, an emotional moment that seemed improbable 30 months after he underwent brain surgery. Woodland led by as many as seven shots in the final round before coasting to victory, just over two years removed from a serious health scare.

Why it matters

Woodland's win at the Houston Open is a remarkable comeback story, as the former U.S. Open champion had to overcome significant health challenges, including brain surgery and post-traumatic stress disorder, to return to the winner's circle on the PGA Tour.

The details

Woodland led by one shot going into the final round and stretched his advantage to seven shots at one point before ultimately cruising to the victory. This was Woodland's first PGA Tour title since his U.S. Open triumph at Pebble Beach in 2019, which came just prior to his brain surgery.

  • Woodland underwent brain surgery 30 months ago.
  • Woodland won the U.S. Open in 2019, just before his brain surgery.
  • Woodland won the Houston Open on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Gary Woodland

A professional golfer who won the U.S. Open in 2019 and the Houston Open in 2026, overcoming a serious health scare that required brain surgery.

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The takeaway

Woodland's emotional victory at the Houston Open is a testament to his resilience and determination, as he was able to overcome significant health challenges to return to the winner's circle on the PGA Tour.