Gary Woodland Opens Up About PTSD Diagnosis Following Brain Surgery
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. — Two years after returning to professional golf following brain surgery, Gary Woodland has revealed he continues to battle post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The 2019 U.S. Open champion shared his diagnosis in an emotional interview with Golf Channel on Monday at The Players Championship, explaining his determination to be open about his ongoing struggles.
“I can’t waste energy anymore hiding this, and I’m blessed with a lot of support out here on the tour,” Woodland said. “Everyone’s just been amazing. Every week I come out and everyone’s so excited and happy that I’m back… And I appreciate that love and support. But inside, I sense like I’m dying, and I feel like I’m living a lie.”
Surgery and Initial Recovery
Woodland underwent surgery in September 2023 to remove a lesion on his brain. Doctors discovered the lesion was causing unfounded feelings of fear, leading him to believe he was dying . His return to competition began in January 2024, but the recovery process has been far from straightforward.
Experiences with PTSD
Woodland recounted an incident during the Procore Championship last September, where he experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. He described being startled by a walking scorer approaching him from behind, triggering a hypervigilant response.
“It was my turn to hit and I couldn’t hit,” Woodland explained. He relied on his caddie to provide sunglasses to conceal his tears and admitted to retreating to bathrooms to cope with overwhelming emotions. He ultimately left the course immediately after finishing the round.
Hoping to Help Others
Woodland expressed hope that by sharing his experiences, he can connect with and support others facing similar challenges. He noted conversations with veterans who emphasized the importance of seeking help.
“I’ve talked to veterans, and one thing I’ve heard from multiple people is you can’t do this on your own, no matter how strong you think you are,” he said. “I have a lot of fight in me and I’m not going to let this thing win. But it’s been hard.”
Gary Woodland’s Career Highlights
Gary Lynn Woodland, born May 21, 1984, is an American professional golfer who competes on the PGA Tour. He is best known for winning the U.S. Open in 2019, his first major championship and sixth professional victory . As of March 8, 2026, his highest ranking was 12th, achieved on June 16, 2019 . He has four PGA Tour wins, one European Tour win, and two other professional victories.
Currently, Woodland is ranked 148th in the world (OWGR) and holds the 173rd position in the FedExCup standings . In the 2026 season, he has not yet secured any wins or top-10 finishes.