Despite battling against enormous adversity, Gary Woodland’s brave journey through a health crisis has merited him the prestigious PGA Tour Courage Award. Having conquered surgery to excise a benign brain tumor in September 2023, the 40-year-old golfer has astoundingly bounced back, diving headfirst into full-time competition whilst grappling with the physical, emotional, and mental aftermath of his health ordeal.
Woodland’s resilience and unyielding spirit continue to inspire, a beacon of hope in an often tumultuous journey. His revitalized zest for life can be partly attributed to the unwavering support of his fellow golfer, Justin Thomas. The tale of their burgeoning friendship is one of heartwarming camaraderie and shared empathy on the greens.
During an episode of the Fore Play golf podcast, Woodland shared a profoundly emotional moment that ignited his friendship with Thomas. The 3M Open bore witness to this significant exchange when Thomas, unknowingly, offered Woodland the emotional release he desperately needed. Woodland, who was privately wrestling with a brain tumor diagnosis, found solace in Thomas’s simple yet sincere question about his well-being.
In the heat of the 3M Open, amidst the ubiquitous cameras, Woodland found himself playing alongside Thomas and Joel Dahmen. Thomas’s seemingly casual inquiry about his health moved him deeply, stirring a strong desire to disclose his private battle. Although he initially held back, citing a later conversation due to a nearby boom mic, Thomas did not forget. The following day, Woodland finally unveiled his secret: “JT, I got a brain tumor, man.”
This confession, according to Woodland, was a “massive release,” his voice wavering with emotion as he recounted the moment. This exchange marked the birth of a powerful bond between the two golfers, with Thomas offering consistent support and encouragement throughout Woodland’s journey.
Woodland’s struggles over the past years have been both profound and deeply personal. In 2019, he was at the pinnacle of his career, having clinched the US Open. However, a dramatic turn of events in subsequent years saw him grappling with debilitating anxiety and a fear of mortality. His life was consumed by an all-pervasive fear that affected every facet of his existence, from mundane tasks like driving to precious moments with his family.
His doctors eventually found the source of his distress – a benign lesion on his brain, triggering seizures and heightening his fear and anxiety. Woodland’s personal life suffered, as he found himself unable to partake in his children’s excitement due to his brain’s inability to handle the stimulation. This struggle culminated in the surgery in September 2023, which although offered immediate relief, reminded him to cherish every moment.
In anticipation of his surgery, Woodland penned heartfelt letters to his wife and three young children, an experience he describes as the most challenging of his life. Today, he continues to grapple with his ongoing struggles, relying on yoga and breathwork for calming his nerves, and cherishing the opportunity to once again lead an exhilarating life. The story of Woodland and Thomas serves as a potent reminder of the power of friendship and support in overcoming life’s toughest challenges.
