In the hushed darkness of night, a searing headache brought U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland to his knees. As the pain intensified, he found himself on the precipice of an unimaginable ordeal. This was in June 2023, on the eve of the Memorial Tournament. But what should have been a routine day on the greens was overshadowed by a life-altering medical diagnosis.
Following an MRI, the discovery of a brain lesion and the administration of seizure medication, Woodland’s headache receded. However, the invisible wound left in its wake was a crippling inability to concentrate on the golf course. Despite his belief that he was performing well, the reality was a stark contrast to his flawed perception.
In the face of his waning prowess on the course, Woodland took a decisive step in September 2023. Guided by the counsel of a specialist, he braved the uncertainty of the future and underwent surgical intervention for his brain tumor.
During an intimate conversation on the Fore Play Podcast Plus, Woodland provided a revealing look into his mental state during this tumultuous period. When queried about whether he ever acknowledged that something was amiss during a game, Woodland admitted to having battled his condition for months. He was under the impression that he was performing exceptionally well. However, his caddie, Brennan Little, observed otherwise.
As Woodland navigated the course, Little noticed his boss’s confusion and diminished focus. Woodland acknowledged that he often needed to consult Little as he struggled to recall what should have been routine strokes. A wake-up call from his caddie, who told him, “You can’t play this way,” made him realize the severity of his situation.
Woodland confessed that he naively believed he was playing well. But a week after an honest discussion with his surgeon about his deteriorating memory, he was informed that he would need surgery. His brain, the surgeon explained, was not functioning optimally, which was affecting his cognitive abilities.
Fast forward to February 2025, Woodland, now 40, is preparing to tee off at the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This moment is a testament to his resilience and determination as he has risen from the depths of uncertainty.
Woodland’s return to action in January 2024, four months after his surgery, was met with tempered expectations. His early performances were not stellar, missing the cut in his first three tournaments. However, he found his rhythm at the 2024 Genesis Invitational, finishing at T39 under challenging conditions. This was a promising sign for the Topeka native.
His performance continued to improve, culminating in a noteworthy finish at the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open. Despite a drop in his final round, Woodland managed to finish T9, six strokes off the top. By 2025, he has managed to make 3 cuts out of 5 and finished within the top 22 in all those events.
Woodland’s journey back to competitive golf is commendable. It leaves us pondering whether another PGA Tour title is within his grasp in the near future. Share your thoughts in the comments section below, and let’s celebrate the resilience of this remarkable sportsman.
