Former US Open champion Gary Woodland has revealed his ongoing battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ahead of his return to the Masters. The 40-year-old American, who secured his spot at Augusta National with a victory at the Houston Open, disclosed that during the final holes of that tournament he felt intense 'hypervigilance', believing people were 'trying to kill me'.
Woodland's struggles stem from a brain lesion discovered in 2023, which fuelled unfounded fears of dying. In September of that year, he wrote heartfelt letters to his wife and children before undergoing surgery to remove as much of the growth as possible. The procedure involved creating a baseball-sized opening in the side of his head and was ultimately successful. He returned to the golf course in January 2024, gradually regaining his form.
Despite his recent triumph at the Houston Open, where he closed with a final round 3-under 67 for a five-shot victory, Woodland said he had become crippled by PTSD, often retreating to bathrooms to weep. He spoke to PGA Tour security during the tournament, and having security behind him helped him feel safe. 'Turning around and knowing I'm safe, having somebody there with me? It's the only reason I won two weeks ago,' he said.
Woodland, who won the US Open in 2019, said he tried to fight the battle on his own but realised he needed help. He publicly disclosed his PTSD diagnosis in an interview with the Golf Channel and spoke candidly at the Masters. 'I feel a lot stronger now than I did three weeks ago,' he said. 'No matter how hard it is out here, I know I have someone I can talk to.'
The Masters presents another significant test for Woodland, with the close proximity of patrons to players potentially challenging. The PGA Tour has collaborated with the Masters to ensure he receives the necessary security. 'There's probably not a safer golf tournament in the world, so I'm happy for that, but it's still a battle in my head if I'm safe or not,' he confessed.
