Gary Woodland Overcomes Brain Surgery Recovery to Call This Season His Proudest

Gary Woodland is experiencing what he calls his toughest season on the PGA Tour, yet also his proudest. Woodland is competing in the BMW Championship for the first time in six years, a significant milestone as he continues his recovery from brain surgery performed in September 2023.

Doctors removed part of a lesion that had triggered fears of dying, but the recovery has presented new challenges. Woodland has reported experiencing lingering effects, including being spooked by sudden movements and having to manage his heart rate, particularly in extreme heat. This has led to adjustments, such as ensuring he has personal space to avoid unexpected disturbances.

Despite these hurdles, Woodland has achieved considerable success this season. Two weeks after an emotional interview in March discussing his post-traumatic stress disorder, he won the Houston Open. He has also secured four other top-10 finishes, including at the U.S. Open. His performance has positioned him near qualification for the Tour Championship, the final event of the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Woodland entered the PGA Tour playoffs ranked 27th in the FedEx Cup standings. Last week, he competed in the extreme heat at TPC Southwind, a decision he later acknowledged might have been difficult for his recovery, given the need to keep his heart rate under control. He described the conditions as challenging, making it hard to cool down.

Looking ahead, Woodland plans to take time off after the season concludes to focus on his health. He is hopeful of discontinuing medication he has been taking for three years. He is also assured of invitations to all five $20 million signature events in 2025, a notable achievement after not receiving any sponsor exemptions this year.

Woodland, who won the U.S. Open in 2019, views his current season as a testament to his resilience. He expressed that he is more proud of himself now than ever before, recognizing the progress made since six months prior. He anticipates reflecting on this year as his best on tour once he has fully recovered.