Gary Woodland’s Health Journey: Brain Surgery, PTSD, and Family

Professional golfers deal with pressure every week, but few have faced the kind of life-altering challenge Gary Woodland encountered off the course: brain surgery in 2023 and a subsequent PTSD diagnosis. The 2019 U.S. Open champion has been navigating a recovery far more personal than any fairway.

Born: May 21, 1984 · Turned Professional: 2009 · Major Wins: 1 (2019 U.S. Open) · PGA Tour Wins: 4 · Brain Surgery: September 2023 · Wife: Gabby Woodland

Nine career facts, one pattern: Woodland’s journey weaves a major championship victory together with a life-threatening brain condition and an emotional comeback.

What was Gary Woodland’s illness?

Details of Gary Woodland’s brain surgery

• In September 2023, Woodland underwent surgery to remove a brain lesion that was pressing on the part of his brain controlling fear and anxiety (PGA Tour (official tour site)).
• The procedure was carried out at a hospital in Texas; the exact type of tumor has not been publicly specified (PGA Tour).

Recovery after brain surgery

• Woodland returned to PGA Tour competition in January 2024, just months after the operation (PGA Tour).
• He described lingering symptoms, including hypervigilance and anxiety during rounds (PGA Tour).

The implication: Woodland’s recovery is not just physical but deeply psychological.

What has caused Gary Woodland to have PTSD?

What events triggered Gary Woodland’s PTSD?

• Woodland stated that the PTSD diagnosis came about a year after the surgery (ESPN (sports network)).
• The brain lesion itself was located in the region that governs fear and anxiety, making the physical trauma a direct contributor (PGA Tour report).

How did Gary Woodland’s brain surgery relate to his PTSD?

• Woodland linked the surgery and the subsequent health scare to the onset of post-traumatic stress (PGA Tour).
• He noted that the battle has been harder on his family and team because they want to help but cannot fix the underlying fear (PGA Tour).

How has Gary Woodland addressed his PTSD?

• Woodland went public with his PTSD diagnosis in March 2026, ahead of THE PLAYERS Championship (PGA Tour).
• He continues therapy and leans on his support network, including wife Gabby and his caddie (People).

What this means: Woodland’s openness about his PTSD sets an example for other athletes.

Who Is Pro Golfer Gary Woodland’s Wife?

Gabby Woodland’s background

• Gabby Woodland (née Gabby Granado) is a former college athlete who played basketball at Washburn University (People).
• She is known for her private nature but has been a visible presence at tournaments supporting Gary (PGA Tour).

Gary and Gabby Woodland’s wedding

• The couple married in 2013.
• They have two children together.

The pattern: Woodland’s family support system is central to his resilience.

Where was Gary Woodland born?

Early life and upbringing

• Gary Woodland was born on May 21, 1984, in Topeka, Kansas.
• He played multiple sports growing up, including baseball and basketball, before focusing on golf.

College career

• Woodland attended the University of Kansas, where he played college golf (ESPN).
• He was a two-time All-American before turning professional in 2009.

The implication: Woodland’s athletic background in multiple sports helped build the mental toughness he now relies on.

What major did Gary Woodland win?

2019 U.S. Open victory

• Woodland won the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, finishing 13 under par (PGA Tour).
• It was his first major championship and remains his only major title as of 2026.

Career highlights before and after the major

• Woodland’s first PGA Tour win came in 2011 at the Transitions Championship.
• After the U.S. Open victory, he added wins at the 2021 Fortinet Championship and the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open (Sky Sports).
• Other golfers who made similar comebacks include Rickie Fowler: Career, Net Worth & Why He Missed Masters and Anthony Kim: Hiatus, Return, Medical Condition, Facial Changes, both of whom faced their own health and career disruptions.

The pattern: Woodland’s career arc shows that a major championship can be followed by a health crisis, then a comeback victory that redefines success.

Timeline: Key Moments in Gary Woodland’s Career and Health

• May 21, 1984 – Born in Topeka, Kansas.
• 2009 – Turned professional.
• 2011 – First PGA Tour win (Transitions Championship) (PGA Tour).
• 2019 – Won U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, first major title (ESPN).
• September 2023 – Undergoes brain surgery to remove a lesion (PGA Tour).
• March 2026 – Publicly discusses PTSD diagnosis in BBC interview and wins Houston Open (BBC Sport).

The pattern: Woodland’s timeline shows a career that peaked, then hit a health crisis, and is now seeing a second act defined by resilience.

“It’s been hard on my family and my team because they want to help. They can’t. They can’t fix it.”

Gary Woodland, in a PGA Tour interview (March 2026)

Woodland told ESPN that he was fighting for his life and now fighting to get back to where he was (ESPN).

Woodland’s story is still unfolding. For golf fans watching his journey, the implication is clear: resilience and support can turn a life-threatening diagnosis into a comeback victory, but the road remains long. For the PGA Tour, having a major champion return from brain surgery and PTSD to win again is a reminder that the human element of the sport is as compelling as any leaderboard.

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