The journey of a professional athlete is often paved with hurdles that test their tenacity and resilience, both physically and emotionally. One such athlete is Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, who has grappled with both career highs and personal lows. Born in Topeka, Kansas, Woodland transitioned from a college-level basketball player to a PGA Tour luminary, registering four victories on the PGA Tour. However, his crowning achievement remains his major championship at Pebble Beach in 2019.
Off the greens, Woodland is a doting father and a devoted husband to his wife, Gabby. They are parents to their twin daughters Maddox and Lennox, and their son Jaxson. The trajectory of Woodland’s life, however, was dramatically altered when he was confronted with a life-threatening health crisis.
In May 2023, Woodland began showing alarming symptoms, including tremors and severe anxiety. Medical evaluations discovered a lesion on the brain region that regulates fear and anxiety. Despite early interventions, his condition worsened, leading to a craniotomy surgery in September 2023. The surgery successfully removed the majority of the benign tumor, but it inevitably left an indelible mark on Woodland and his family.
Recounting the harrowing experience on the Netflix show Full Swing, Woodland became emotional as he detailed the days leading up to his surgery. He confessed, “I obviously didn’t feel well. I wasn’t playing well. I had no results. But what’s got me through this journey, it’s been my family.” Fearful of the worst, Woodland penned poignant letters to his family, expressing his deepest fears and heartfelt emotions.
His words to his children were especially moving: “All I’ve ever dreamed of was being a professional athlete, but being their dad was more than anything I could ever dream of. And not being able to walk the girls down the aisle and be there for them and see them live their dreams… Just know that I’m with you.” He advised his son to never hesitate to ask for help and he thanked his wife for their perfect journey together, stating, “Those letters were the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Woodland’s recovery road has been lined with physical and mental challenges. Along with managing seizures through medication, yoga, and meditation, he has battled PTSD flashbacks. Despite these adversities, his zeal for golf remains unwavering. Once ranked No. 12 worldwide, Woodland is on a mission to regain his top form and secure a Masters spot.
In February 2025, Woodland’s resilience was duly recognized with the PGA Tour Courage Award, which celebrates individuals who triumph over adversity and inspire others in the game. Accompanied by a $25,000 donation to a charity of his choice, Woodland chose Champion Charities, an organization dedicated to supporting patients and conducting research on brain tumors. He and Gabby doubled the donation, contributing a total of $50,000.
Upon receiving the award on ABC’s Good Morning America, an emotional Woodland dedicated the honor to his family and colleagues: “I definitely wouldn’t be here today… if it wasn’t for them.” Woodland’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s tenacity and the power of a strong support network. His story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reaffirming that indeed, bravery is as significant in life as it is on the golf course.