Gary Woodland Ends 6-Year Drought with Emotional Houston Open Win

Fellow golfers and athletes rally around Woodland's inspiring comeback after brain surgery and PTSD battle.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Professional golfer Gary Woodland ended a nearly 7-year winless drought by claiming victory at the Texas Children's Houston Open. Woodland's comeback was about more than just competition, as he openly shared his recent struggles with brain surgery and PTSD, drawing widespread support from fellow players and athletes across sports.

Why it matters

Woodland's emotional win highlighted the power of perseverance and overcoming personal challenges, resonating with fans and the broader sports community. His honesty about his mental health journey also helped destigmatize discussions around PTSD in professional athletics.

The details

Just 30 months prior, the 41-year-old Woodland underwent brain surgery to remove a lesion that had caused debilitating symptoms. In the aftermath, he faced an equally difficult battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), openly sharing how deeply it affected his life both on and off the course. Despite his internal struggles, Woodland was able to secure the win at the Houston Open, finishing at 21-under 259 for his fifth career PGA Tour victory.

  • Woodland underwent brain surgery 30 months ago.
  • Woodland won the Texas Children's Houston Open on March 31, 2026.

The players

Gary Woodland

A 41-year-old professional golfer who recently ended a nearly 7-year winless drought by winning the Texas Children's Houston Open, overcoming personal challenges including brain surgery and PTSD.

Tommy Fleetwood

A professional golfer who congratulated Woodland on his Houston Open victory via social media.

Justin Rose

A professional golfer who congratulated Woodland on his Houston Open victory via social media.

Min Woo Lee

A professional golfer who deliberately held back to allow Woodland to soak in the crowd's applause alone as he walked up the 18th green at the Houston Open.

Nicolai Højgaard

A professional golfer who deliberately held back to allow Woodland to soak in the crowd's applause alone as he walked up the 18th green at the Houston Open.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, Professional Golfer

“Yeah we talked about it, I thought it was appropriate to make him have his moment. It was a pretty cool moment for Gary. It was cool to see and I'm really happy for him.”

— Nicolai Højgaard, Professional Golfer

What’s next

Woodland's win at the Houston Open has qualified him for the upcoming Masters Tournament, though he has chosen to withdraw from the Valero Texas Open to instead spend time with family and enjoy his recent accomplishment.

The takeaway

Woodland's emotional victory at the Houston Open serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His openness about his personal struggles with brain surgery and PTSD, and the widespread support he received from fellow athletes, underscores the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions in professional sports.