Gary Woodland wins Houston Open for first PGA Tour title since brain surgery

Emotional victory comes 30 months after undergoing brain surgery to remove lesion that caused PTSD struggles

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:33am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and emotion of a professional golfer's swing, with his face and body dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.Woodland's emotional victory at the Houston Open marks a triumphant comeback after his battle with PTSD following brain surgery.Houston Today

Gary Woodland won the Houston Open on Sunday, an emotional moment that seemed so improbable 30 months ago when he had brain surgery, and even two weeks ago when he opened up about his frightening struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. Woodland closed with a 3-under 67 to win by five shots over Nicolai Hojgaard, his first victory since the 2019 U.S. Open.

Why it matters

Woodland's victory is a powerful comeback story after he underwent brain surgery in 2023 to remove a lesion that was causing him to have unfounded fears that he was dying. His open discussion of his PTSD struggles in a recent Golf Channel interview has also helped raise awareness about mental health challenges faced by professional athletes.

The details

Woodland began to struggle in 2023, only to learn he had a lesion on the part of his brain that caused unfounded fears that he was dying. Surgery in September 2023 removed much of the lesion, but he was still hurting badly with PTSD, once rushing to a portable bathroom to break down in tears when he was overcome with emotion. Woodland chose two weeks ago to share his struggles in a Golf Channel interview, saying 'I feel like I'm dying, and I feel like I'm living a lie.' This week, going public made him feel '1,000 pounds lighter.' Woodland reached 196 mph ball speed on one tee shot Sunday, and more striking was the smooth control he showed over every shot.

  • Woodland had brain surgery in September 2023 to remove a lesion.
  • Woodland returned to the PGA Tour in January 2024.
  • Woodland opened up about his PTSD struggles in a Golf Channel interview two weeks ago.
  • Woodland won the Houston Open on Sunday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Gary Woodland

A popular figure and powerful player on the PGA Tour who won the U.S. Open in 2019. He underwent brain surgery in 2023 to remove a lesion that was causing him to have unfounded fears that he was dying, and has been open about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Nicolai Hojgaard

The runner-up at the Houston Open, who secured his position inside the top 50 in the world to earn an invitation to the Masters.

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What they’re saying

“We play an individual sport out here, but I wasn't alone today. Anyone struggling with something, I hope they see me and don't give up. Just keep fighting.”

— Gary Woodland, PGA Tour Player

“We thought it was appropriate to let him have his moment. It was a pretty cool moment for Gary and it was cool to see. I'm really happy for him.”

— Nicolai Hojgaard, PGA Tour Player

What’s next

Woodland's victory at the Houston Open makes him eligible for the Masters in two weeks, where he will look to continue his comeback story on one of golf's biggest stages.

The takeaway

Woodland's emotional victory at the Houston Open is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His openness about his mental health struggles and his determination to overcome them will undoubtedly inspire others facing similar challenges to keep fighting and never give up.