Trevor Ng
Gary Woodland, the winner of the 2019 U.S. Open, underwent brain surgery in September 2023 to remove a lesion and a benign brain tumour. Woodland's struggles with the side effects of the surgery and his journey back to the PGA Tour have been well-documented. He has openly discussed the challenges he faced, including PTSD, seizures, headaches, and overstimulation. Woodland's wife, Gabby, played a crucial role in his recovery, and he has since returned to competition, sharing second place at the Texas Children's Houston Open in 2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Gary Woodland |
| Year of Surgery | 2023 |
| Date of Surgery | 18 September |
| Type of Surgery | Craniotomy |
| Reason for Surgery | Brain Tumour/Lesion |
| Symptoms | Seizures, Nausea, Anxiety, Fear of Dying |
| Recovery | Experienced PTSD, Fatigue, Optimistic for 2025 |
| Support System | Wife (Gabby), Doctors, Specialists |
| Awards | PGA Tour Courage Award |
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What You'll Learn
Gary Woodland's brain surgery
Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, underwent brain surgery on September 18, 2023, to remove a brain tumor that had caused him fear and anxiety. Woodland had experienced a difficult week of nausea and anxiety at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill when he decided to consult his longtime general practitioner. Although the doctor initially wanted to prescribe medication, he ordered Woodland to undergo an MRI to rule out Parkinson's Disease. The MRI revealed a lesion growing on his brain, which was causing his symptoms of fear and anxiety.
After trying anti-seizure and anxiety medication, Woodland underwent brain surgery on September 18 to remove the lesion. The surgery involved cutting a hole in the side of his skull, large enough to require 30 staples to close. While the surgery was successful, doctors were unable to remove the entire tumor due to the risk of losing sight and function on the left side of his body. Following the surgery, Woodland experienced low energy for several weeks and struggled with his golf game upon his return to competition at the Sony Open.
Despite the challenges, Woodland worked hard to regain his form, crediting his wife, Gabby, for her support throughout his recovery. By early 2025, Woodland felt optimistic about his game, posting three top-25 finishes in four events and managing his new normal well. Woodland's courageous journey back to the golf course earned him the PGA Tour Courage Award in 2025, with the PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan, praising his "relentless spirit and his willingness to share his story and inspire others." Woodland's story serves as a testament to his strength and determination as he continues to manage the physical, emotional, and mental effects of his condition while competing on the PGA Tour.
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Woodland's brain tumour
Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, underwent brain surgery on September 18, 2023, to remove a lesion and benign brain tumour. Woodland had been experiencing symptoms such as unfounded fears, tremors, chills, low energy, seizures, headaches, and anxiety. He played 10 tournaments with these symptoms, eight times on medication, and remarkably made eight out of 10 cuts.
The surgery involved cutting a hole in Woodland's skull the size of a baseball, which required 30 staples to close. While the surgery was successful, doctors were unable to remove the tumour entirely due to the risk of losing sight and the use of the left side of his body.
Following the surgery, Woodland experienced a difficult recovery, including nausea, anxiety, and fatigue. He began putting just two days after leaving the hospital and was given permission to start hitting balls after four weeks. However, he waited five weeks to ensure he had enough energy. Despite his challenges, Woodland returned to competition at the Sony Open in January 2024, just four months after his surgery. He described his 2024 season as scary as he dealt with the "overstimulation" of playing tournament golf.
Woodland and his wife, Gabby, worked tirelessly to find solutions to help him manage his new normal and continue playing on the PGA Tour. This included breathing techniques and medication to slow down his brain when stimulation became too high. By early 2025, Woodland felt optimistic about his game, posting three top-25 finishes in four events and receiving the PGA Tour's Courage Award. While Woodland continues to face challenges, he remains determined to chase his dreams and compete at the highest level.
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Woodland's recovery and return to golf
Gary Woodland underwent brain surgery on September 18, 2023, to remove a lesion from his brain. The surgery left him with low energy, and he experienced a difficult recovery, battling headaches, seizures, and overstimulation. Woodland described the unknown as the scariest part of his recovery, as he felt out of control of his brain.
Despite the challenges, Woodland pushed through and returned to competition at the Sony Open in 2024, less than four months after his surgery. He also published a surprise announcement on X (formerly Twitter) about his surgery and recovery, keeping his fans and followers informed. Woodland credits his wife, Gabby, for allowing him to vent and complain as he struggled. The couple worked together to find solutions to help Woodland manage his new normal, including breathing techniques and medication to slow down his brain when stimulation became too high.
Woodland's return to golf was not without its hurdles. He experienced a difficult week at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill, where he dealt with nausea and anxiety. He also admitted that the experience had changed him a lot and that accepting his new reality was challenging for him as an athlete. However, he remained positive and determined to turn the setback into a jump start for his career. He expressed his gratitude for the support he received and his belief that he would return to his peak form.
Woodland's hard work and perseverance paid off. In 2025, he achieved three top-25 finishes in four events, including the Sony Open, and was awarded the PGA Tour's Courage Award, which recognizes individuals who have overcome extraordinary adversity. Woodland shared his optimism about his progress, stating that he was starting to see signs of his game getting back on track and that he had big goals and dreams for the future.
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The support Woodland received
Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, underwent brain surgery on September 18, 2023, to remove a lesion or brain tumor. Woodland revealed his struggles mainly to his family and friends and shared his experience with the public through a surprise announcement on Twitter on August 30, 2023. Woodland's wife, Gabby, played a crucial role in his recovery by allowing him to express his fears and emotions. She actively participated in finding solutions to help Woodland manage his return to the PGA Tour. This included seeking advice from specialists and implementing breathing techniques and medication to manage overstimulation.
Woodland expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming love and support he received from the tour and people outside the golf world, including those who had experienced similar health challenges. He also acknowledged the impact of his doctor's decision to order an MRI, which led to the discovery of the lesion and subsequent surgery. Woodland's father provided logistical support by driving him to and from the golf course during his recovery.
Woodland's courage and determination to fight through the challenges of his recovery are evident. He expressed his desire to chase his dreams and be there for his family. His positive attitude and willingness to seek help have contributed to his progress. Woodland's openness about his journey has inspired others facing similar challenges and showcased his strength and resilience.
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Woodland's battle with PTSD
PGA golfer Gary Woodland underwent brain surgery on September 18, 2023, to remove a benign tumor. Woodland had been experiencing seizures and fear of dying before his surgery, which he described as a "horrible" and harrowing experience. The surgery left him with a skull opening the size of a baseball, requiring 30 staples to close.
Following his brain surgery, Woodland experienced a challenging recovery process, including nausea, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping due to seizures. He also struggled with the overstimulation of tournament golf, which affected his performance during the 2024 season. Woodland described the challenges of adapting to his new normal and managing his symptoms while competing on the PGA Tour.
To cope with his symptoms, Woodland worked closely with his wife, Gabby, to find solutions. They consulted specialists across the country and incorporated breathing techniques and medication into his routine to help slow down his brain when faced with overstimulation. Woodland also expressed gratitude for the support he received from the tour and people outside the golf world, which helped replace his fear with thankfulness and love.
Despite the challenges, Woodland demonstrated resilience and optimism in his battle with PTSD. He shared his desire to turn his struggle into a "jump start" for his career and expressed his determination to play great golf again. Woodland's courage and positive mindset, along with the support of his loved ones and the golf community, empowered him to manage his condition and work towards rediscovering his form on the course.
In addition to professional help and breathing techniques, nature-based therapies can also aid in battling combat stress and PTSD. Programs like Woodland Warriors in the UK offer individuals an opportunity to spend time in the woods, learning foraging, wild cooking, tracking, and archery. These activities provide a calming and peaceful environment, helping individuals connect with others and find solace from the stresses of modern life.
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Frequently asked questions
Gary Woodland, the winner of the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, underwent brain surgery on September 18, 2023, to remove a lesion and a brain tumour.
Woodland had been experiencing seizures, nausea, and anxiety. An MRI revealed a lesion growing on his brain, which was causing these symptoms.
Woodland experienced fatigue, headaches, and "overstimulation" while playing golf tournaments. He also had to accept that he was different after the surgery, which was challenging for him as an athlete. However, he remained optimistic about his recovery and returning to golf.
Woodland's health issues and recovery have impacted his performance on the golf course. While he has had some successful finishes, he has also missed cuts and struggled with stamina. Despite this, he remains determined to chase his dreams and return to his peak form.
