Gary Woodland wins Houston Open after brain surgery

Emotional victory marks first PGA Tour title since health scare

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:52am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and emotion of a golfer's triumphant swing and celebratory fist-pump, with the figures dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.An emotional comeback victory for Gary Woodland, as the former major champion overcomes health challenges to win his first PGA Tour title since 2019.Houston Today

Gary Woodland won the Houston Open on Sunday, an emotional moment that seemed improbable 30 months after he underwent brain surgery and opened up about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder just two weeks ago.

Why it matters

Woodland's victory is a remarkable comeback story, as the former U.S. Open champion had to overcome significant health challenges to regain his form and win his first PGA Tour title since his brain surgery.

The details

Woodland took a one-shot lead into the final round at Memorial Park and held on to capture the Houston Open, his first PGA Tour victory since 2019. The win comes after Woodland revealed earlier this month that he had brain surgery in 2024 and has been dealing with PTSD, making this triumph all the more meaningful.

  • Woodland had brain surgery 30 months ago in 2024.
  • Woodland opened up about his PTSD struggles just 2 weeks ago.

The players

Gary Woodland

A professional golfer who won the 2019 U.S. Open and recently returned to the PGA Tour after undergoing brain surgery and dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

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What they’re saying

“We play an individual sport out here, but I wasn't alone today.”

— Gary Woodland

What’s next

Woodland will look to build on this emotional victory and continue his comeback on the PGA Tour.

The takeaway

Woodland's triumph at the Houston Open is an inspiring story of perseverance and resilience, as the former major champion overcame significant health challenges to regain his form and win his first PGA Tour title since 2019.