Gary Woodland was overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears after securing his first PGA TOUR victory in over seven years—and first since his undergoing brain surgery—thanks to an inspirational victory at the Texas Children’s Houston Open.
The 41-year-old American, whose previous triumph came at the 2019 U.S. Open, made his return to the circuit in January following surgery to remove a brain tumor in 2023 and opened up on his struggles earlier this March when revealing he had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Woodland came into the final round at Memorial Park Golf Course with a one-shot advantage over Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard and tightened his grip at the top of the leaderboard during the early stages of the day after the Dane’s dropped shot at the first and Woodland’s birdie at the fifth. This was the first of four birdies on the front nine which helped him build a commanding lead over Hojgaard following the halfway stage.
This advantage was essentially unassailable and Hojgaard failed to make significant ground on the back nine as Woodland made his way through the holes with little pressure to card a 3-under 67, end the tournament on 21 under, and collect his first title on the PGA TOUR in 2,473 days, sparking emotional scenes.
“We play an individual sport but I wasn’t alone today,” said a tearful Woodland. “I’ve got a lot of people behind me – my team, my family. Anybody that’s struggling with something, I hope they see me and don’t give up – just keep fighting.”
It is Woodland’s fifth career PGA TOUR title and it means he climbs inside the top 25 in the FedExCup standings. He has also guaranteed himself a place at the upcoming Masters at Augusta National.
“It’s just another day, I’ve got to keep healing, I’m going to keep fighting, but I’m proud of myself right now,” Woodland added.
“Thank you to my family. I wouldn’t be anywhere before this without them but there’s no chance I could do this without Gabby.
“It’s been hard on me, it’s been harder for her. I love her to death.”
Hojgaard carded a final-round 71 to hold onto second on 16 under while there was a share of third between defending champion Min Woo Lee and American Johnny Keefer both on 15 under.
What is the next event?
The next event on the PGA TOUR schedule is the Valero Texas Open taking place between 2-5 April at TPC San Antonio in Texas.