Gary Woodland won the Houston Open on Sunday, a triumph that seemed improbable 30 months ago after he underwent brain surgery, and even two weeks ago when he spoke publicly about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. The 41-year-old American closed with a three-under-par 67 to finish five shots clear of Nicolai Hojgaard at Memorial Park, securing his first victory since the 2019 US Open.
Fans chanted Woodland's name before falling silent for his winning putt, and he was in tears afterwards. 'We play an individual sport out here, but I wasn't alone today,' he said. 'Anyone struggling with something, I hope they see me and don't give up. Just keep fighting.'
Woodland's health issues began in 2023 when he learned he had a lesion on his brain that caused unfounded fears that he was dying. Surgery in September 2023 removed much of the lesion, but he later suffered from PTSD, once leaving a round in tears. Two weeks ago, he shared his struggles in a Golf Channel interview, saying, 'Inside, I feel like I'm dying, and I feel like I'm living a lie.'
The victory moves Woodland to world No. 51, his highest ranking in five years, and earns him a spot in the Masters in two weeks. Hojgaard and defending champion Min Woo Lee stayed back on the 18th green to let Woodland have his moment, a rare gesture. 'It was a pretty cool moment for Gary,' Hojgaard said.
Woodland's wife, Gabby Granado, was on the course supporting him. He credited her as vital to his recovery. 'This has been hard on me. It's been a lot harder on her,' he said. Reflecting on his win, Woodland added, 'Today was a good day. But I've got a big fight ahead of me, and I'm going to keep going.'
