Gary Woodland Savors Masters Return After Brain Surgery, PTSD Battle

The 2019 U.S. Open champion nearly had his career ended by a brain tumor and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting the fractured, geometric shapes of a golfer's swing and movements on a golf course, using vibrant greens, blues, and navy to capture the energy and emotion of Gary Woodland's return to the Masters.Woodland's mental fortitude shines through as he navigates the iconic Augusta National course with a renewed appreciation for the game.Houston Today

Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, is making his return to the Masters this year after a challenging battle with a brain tumor and post-traumatic stress disorder that nearly ended his professional golf career. Woodland recently underwent brain surgery to remove a benign lesion that was causing seizures, anxiety, and fear, but even after the procedure, his PTSD symptoms persisted. Despite the mental health struggles, Woodland secured the last spot in the Masters field with a surprise win at the Houston Open in March.

Why it matters

Woodland's story highlights the mental health challenges that elite athletes can face, even after overcoming physical injuries or medical conditions. His perseverance and determination to return to the game he loves despite his PTSD diagnosis is an inspiring testament to the power of the human spirit.

The details

In 2023, Woodland underwent a procedure to remove a benign brain lesion that was triggering seizures, anxiety, and fear. Even after the surgery, his PTSD symptoms continued, leading to a formal diagnosis. Woodland has been working closely with PGA Tour security to manage his PTSD, including identifying where security personnel are located on each hole at Augusta National to help him feel safe. At the recent Houston Open, Woodland battled through a tense stretch late in his second round, feeling like people were trying to harm him, despite having security personnel with him.

  • In 2023, Woodland underwent brain surgery to remove a benign lesion.
  • Woodland missed the cut at the Masters 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 battling a brain tumor and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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

“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 and mental health professionals to manage his PTSD symptoms during the Masters tournament. His performance and ability to navigate the high-pressure environment of Augusta National will be closely watched by golf fans and media.

The takeaway

Gary Woodland's inspiring return to the Masters after overcoming a brain tumor and post-traumatic stress disorder highlights the mental health challenges that even elite athletes can face. His perseverance and determination to reclaim his place in the game serve as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.