Gary Woodland has talked about how he has been dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since his brain surgery in 2023.
His comments give us a look into the emotional issues he’s had to deal with while still playing on the PGA Tour.
The 2019 U.S. Open champion gave an emotional interview before the 2026 Players Championship in which he talked about how the mental effects of his medical ordeal have been harder than most people think.
Woodland, who had surgery and then came back to the PGA Tour in early 2024, said he chose to talk about his problems openly because he didn’t want to hide what he was going through anymore.
Brain Surgery in 2023 and the Road Back
In September 2023, Woodland had brain surgery because doctors found a lesion that was causing seizures and other problems.
The surgery went well, and he was able to play professional golf again just a few months later.
Woodland said that while the surgery fixed the physical problems, the recovery process brought up mental and emotional problems that he didn’t expect.
About a year after the surgery, he was officially diagnosed with PTSD. This condition has changed his daily life and how he plays golf.
Why Woodland Decided to Talk in Public
Woodland said in the interview that he had been trying to hide how bad things were for him for months.
Gary Woodland said, “I can’t waste energy anymore hiding this, and I’m blessed with a lot of support out here on the Tour.”
Woodland also said that telling his story might help other people who are going through the same things, especially people who are having trouble with their mental health after going through something traumatic.
He pointed out that getting help and being honest about these issues are important parts of getting better.
Continuing His PGA Tour Career
Woodland has made it clear that he does not plan to give up professional golf, despite the challenges he has faced.
Doctors have said that staying away from high-stress situations might help him get better, but Woodland said that playing the sport he loves is still important to him.
Gary Woodland has won four times on the PGA Tour, including his memorable victory at the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
Woodland is now in his early 40s and still competes while dealing with the effects of his recovery.
What This Means for the Golf Community
Woodland’s decision to talk openly about PTSD has gotten a lot of attention in the golf world.
A lot of players and fans have praised his honesty and bravery, saying that his story is a good reminder that even the best athletes can have serious mental health problems.
His honesty could also help get more people talking about mental health in professional sports.
Final Thoughts
Gary Woodland’s life has not been easy since his brain surgery, but by sharing his story, he has helped people understand more about what it’s like to have mental health problems in professional sports.
Woodland’s story is a great example of how to be strong and determined both on and off the golf course as he continues to compete on the PGA Tour.
