"I'm Not Good, I Cry All the Time": Gary Woodland Credits Wife for Turning Point
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 29: Gary Woodland USA embraces his wife Gabby on the green on 18 following the final round of the Texas Children s Houston Open on March 29, 2026, at Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas. Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 29 PGA, Golf Herren Texas Children s Houston Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2603290414
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 29: Gary Woodland USA embraces his wife Gabby on the green on 18 following the final round of the Texas Children s Houston Open on March 29, 2026, at Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas. Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 29 PGA, Golf Herren Texas Children s Houston Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2603290414
Gary Woodland's latest PGA Tour victory also marks a powerful comeback from a dark personal battle after brain surgery. A battle he may not have won without his wife, Gaby.
The 2026 Texas Children's Houston Open winner opened up about how his wife helped him find the right coach in the post-match press conference.
"Well, my wife's the one who told me I needed more than a golf coach and to call Randy (Smith)," said Gary Woodland. He opened up about that conversation, saying, "Randy, I'm not good. I cry all the time now."
Gaby Woodland understood her husband would require more than a golf coach to get through the PTSD after his 2023 brain lesion surgery.
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 29: Gary Woodland USA embraces his caddie on the green on 18 after winning the Texas Children s Houston Open on March 29, 2026, at Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas. Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 29 PGA, Golf Herren Texas Children s Houston Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2603290404
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 29: Gary Woodland USA embraces his caddie on the green on 18 after winning the Texas Children s Houston Open on March 29, 2026, at Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas. Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 29 PGA, Golf Herren Texas Children s Houston Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2603290404
"She's been the rock through this whole thing. I couldn't do this without her, and I wouldn't be here without her," Gary Woodland added.
He struggled with hypervigilance and emotional breakdowns, which slowed his recovery. However, with the help of his wife and coach Smith, he "reset and was able to come back out and take care of stuff after."
A Legacy of Resilience and Support
Woodland's relationship with Randy Smith goes back to 2009. Smith has been present for every significant achievement, including Woodland's first PGA TOUR victory in 2011.
Smith's work goes beyond swing coaching. He has offered Gary Woodland the emotional support that he has needed. As Woodland said, "What Randy does for me off the golf course is second to none."
Woodland's win in Houston also showcased the years of partnership with caddie Brennan Little. Even during Woodland's seven-year-long winless drought, Little's commitment gave the golfer much-needed faith.
This victory has guaranteed Woodland a place at the Masters and the PGA Championship. Showing great resilience, he said, "I wasn't going to let this thing in my head win."
The trophy speaks to his physical return. However, the real challenge will be whether he can maintain this momentum for the rest of the season.
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Written by
Abhishek Sharma
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi