Gary Woodland heads into the final round of the Texas Children's Houston Open with a one-shot lead. It marked his strongest position on the PGA Tour since his win at the 2019 U.S. Open. But his toughest battle isn't on the course.

Woodland spoke about his struggles since his brain surgery during an interview with Rex Hoggard on Golf Channel on March 10.

"Every week I come out, and everyone’s so excited and happy that I’m back. I hear that every week. 'It’s so nice to see you pass this. It’s so nice to see you 100%.' And I appreciate that love and support," said an emotional Gary Woodland.

"But inside I feel like I’m dyin'. I feel like I’m living a lie,” added the golfer. In September 2023, Gary Woodland underwent surgery to remove a brain lesion that had been causing fear and anxiety.

He returned to the PGA Tour in January 2024 at the Sony Open, just months after the procedure, where he missed the cut. Woodland revealed in March 2026 that he had been diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder in early 2025.

He said the condition has affected him during competition, including moments of hypervigilance and difficulty maintaining focus.

At the same time, the 41-year-old acknowledged the support around him, saying, “I can’t waste energy anymore hiding this, and I’m blessed with a lot of support out here on the tour.”

Gary Woodland on being open about his struggles

The 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open winner also said there were moments when he could not recall what he was doing, experienced blurred vision, and was unable to take a shot when it was his turn. 

However, despite his own struggles, Gary Woodland has also spread awareness about those dealing with a similar condition.

“I hope somebody that’s struggling sees me out here still fighting and battling and trying to live my dreams. 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 during the interview.

Speaking out has also helped in other ways, as Woodland revealed the PGA Tour has come forward to offer its help. He explained that the Tour has worked with him to put up security protocols during play.

These steps have helped him feel safer on the greens. Meanwhile, the 41-year-old, at times, also went to private spaces or left quickly after finishing to manage his PTSD.

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi