Gary Woodland Wins PGA Tour's Houston Open 2.5 Years After Brain Surgery

Emotional victory marks golfer's first win since 2019 U.S. Open

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:10pm

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Gary Woodland won the 2026 Texas Children's Houston Open, a momentous victory for the golfer who underwent brain surgery in 2023. Woodland carded a 3-under 67 in the final round, finishing -21 for the tournament at the Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. This win marks Woodland's fifth career PGA Tour victory and his first since the 2019 U.S. Open.

Why it matters

Woodland's victory is particularly inspiring given his recent health challenges. In September 2023, the 41-year-old underwent surgery to remove a lesion on his brain, and doctors were unable to clear the entire tumor. Despite being advised to discontinue playing, Woodland has been open about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder since returning to competition in 2024.

The details

Woodland revealed that during tournaments, he would wear sunglasses and go to the bathroom to cry while continuing to participate. However, he has received tremendous support from the golf community and was determined to keep playing. This win at the Houston Open has secured Woodland an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament.

  • Woodland underwent brain surgery in September 2023.
  • Woodland returned to the PGA Tour in 2024.
  • Woodland won the 2026 Texas Children's Houston Open on March 29, 2026.

The players

Gary Woodland

A 41-year-old American professional golfer who won the 2019 U.S. Open and has now won the 2026 Houston Open, his fifth career PGA Tour victory, just 2.5 years after undergoing brain surgery.

Nicolai Højgaard

A Danish professional golfer who finished second at the 2026 Houston Open, four strokes behind Woodland.

Johnny Keefer

An American professional golfer who finished third at the 2026 Houston Open.

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What they’re saying

“Every week, I come out and everyone is so excited and happy that I'm back. I hear that every week.”

— Gary Woodland, Professional Golfer

“(Golf) is what I'm going to do, and no matter how hard it is, I'm going to play.”

— Gary Woodland, Professional Golfer

What’s next

This win at the Houston Open has secured Woodland an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament, which will begin on Thursday, April 9.

The takeaway

Woodland's inspiring comeback story after overcoming a brain tumor and mental health challenges highlights the resilience and determination of professional athletes. His victory serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of the golf community.