Gary Woodland Savors Masters Return After Brain Surgery, PTSD Battle

Woodland opens up about overcoming health challenges to qualify for the prestigious golf tournament.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic motion of a golfer's swing, conveying the intensity and personal triumph of a professional athlete's comeback.A professional golfer's emotional return to the Masters tournament, where he battles PTSD to reclaim his place among the game's elite.Houston Today

Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, is making his return to the Masters this year after undergoing brain surgery in 2023 to remove a benign lesion that triggered seizures, anxiety, and PTSD. Woodland has been open about his mental health struggles, which nearly ended his professional golf career. Despite the challenges, Woodland secured the last spot in the Masters field with a win at the Houston Open last month.

Why it matters

Woodland's story highlights the mental health challenges that professional athletes can face, even at the highest levels of their sport. His openness about his PTSD and the steps he has taken to manage it, including working closely with tournament security, can help raise awareness and reduce stigma around these issues.

The details

Woodland, 41, underwent a procedure in 2023 to remove a benign brain lesion that had been triggering seizures, anxiety, and PTSD. Even after the surgery, his symptoms persisted, leading to a PTSD diagnosis. Woodland has been working closely with PGA Tour security to manage his anxiety, particularly at crowded events like the Masters. At the recent Houston Open, he battled intense fear and the feeling that people were trying to harm him during the final 10 holes.

  • Woodland underwent brain surgery in 2023 to remove a benign lesion.
  • Woodland finished tied for 14th at the 2023 Masters, but missed the cut in 2024 and failed to qualify in 2025.
  • Woodland secured the last spot in the 2026 Masters field with a win at the Houston Open in March.

The players

Gary Woodland

A professional golfer who won the 2019 U.S. Open and is making his return to the Masters this year after overcoming a battle with PTSD and a brain surgery.

PGA Tour

The professional golf tour that Woodland competes on, which has provided security support to help him manage his PTSD symptoms during tournaments.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I love this place. I love the tradition. There's nothing like driving down Magnolia Lane. I definitely drove down a little slower this year than I ever have, even the first time I was here in 2011. I'm definitely taking it all in this week for sure.”

— Gary Woodland, Professional Golfer

“It's a big week for me this week. The fans are very close on the tee boxes. There's a lot going on. There's probably not a safer golf tournament in the world, so I'm happy for that. But it's still a battle in my head if I'm safe or not. That's a tough pill to swallow.”

— Gary Woodland, Professional Golfer

“The main deal is they were showing me where security is. The whole deal for me is it's visual, right? If I can see somebody, then I can remind myself that I'm safe constantly. So, I have a good idea now where security is on every hole.”

— Gary Woodland, Professional Golfer

“I battled the last 10 holes thinking people were trying to kill me. I have security with me. But I talked to [PGA] Tour security that night, and I told them what I was going through. Every time I looked up on the weekend, my security team was behind me.”

— Gary Woodland, Professional Golfer

What’s next

Woodland will continue to work closely with PGA Tour security throughout the Masters tournament to manage his PTSD symptoms and ensure he can fully enjoy his return to Augusta National.

The takeaway

Woodland's story serves as a powerful reminder of the mental health challenges that even elite athletes can face, and the importance of seeking support and accommodations to manage those challenges. His openness about his PTSD battle can help destigmatize these issues and inspire others to prioritize their own mental well-being.