What Happened to Gary Woodland's Brain Surgery and Recovery?
In September 2023, professional golfer Gary Woodland underwent brain surgery to remove a lesion that was causing severe anxiety, fear, and other neurological symptoms. He made a remarkable return to the PGA Tour in January 2024, continuing to compete while managing ongoing physical and mental health challenges. Most recently, in March 2026, Woodland publicly revealed his diagnosis of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the surgery, a revelation that coincided with a strong performance at the Texas Children's Houston Open.
Quick Answer
Gary Woodland underwent successful brain surgery on September 18, 2023, to remove a benign lesion that was causing debilitating fear and anxiety. He returned to the PGA Tour in January 2024, demonstrating remarkable resilience. While continuing to compete and manage lingering symptoms, he was awarded the PGA Tour Courage Award in February 2025. In March 2026, Woodland disclosed his diagnosis of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the surgery, a revelation that he stated brought significant relief and was followed by him taking a 54-hole lead at the Texas Children's Houston Open.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
First Symptoms Emerge
Gary Woodland begins experiencing unexplained symptoms, including tremors, dizziness, nausea, and intense anxiety and fear.
Announces Brain Lesion Diagnosis and Upcoming Surgery
Woodland publicly shares that he has been diagnosed with a brain lesion and will undergo surgery to remove it after medication proved ineffective.
Undergoes Brain Surgery (Craniotomy)
Woodland undergoes extensive brain surgery to remove a majority of the benign lesion, which was affecting the part of his brain controlling fear and anxiety.
Swinging a Club and Planning 2024 Return
Less than two months after surgery, Woodland posts a video of himself swinging a golf club, expressing thankfulness and optimism for a full return to the PGA Tour in January 2024.
Returns to PGA Tour at Sony Open
Gary Woodland makes his emotional return to competitive golf at the Sony Open in Hawaii, just four months after his brain surgery.
Reveals Ongoing Health Struggles Post-Surgery
Woodland admits to Sports Illustrated that he is still struggling with health issues like fogginess, tiredness, and unusual symptoms, suggesting he might have returned too early.
One-Year Surgery Anniversary Update
Woodland posts on social media reflecting on one year since his life-changing brain surgery, expressing pride in his progress and gratitude for support.
Receives PGA Tour Courage Award
Gary Woodland is honored with the PGA Tour Courage Award for his remarkable perseverance and return to golf following his brain surgery.
Ties for Second at Texas Children's Houston Open, Reveals Remaining Tumor
Woodland achieves his best finish since 2019, tying for second, but also discloses that part of the tumor remains and he continues to battle fatigue and brain function issues.
Emotional Interview at PNC Championship
Woodland gives an emotional interview ahead of the PNC Championship, discussing his ongoing healing process and the fact that he still has a tumor in his head, though it hasn't grown.
Reveals PTSD Diagnosis
In an emotional interview with Golf Channel, Woodland discloses that he was diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a year prior, stemming from his brain surgery, and describes the relief of no longer hiding his struggles.
Takes 54-Hole Lead at Texas Children's Houston Open
Following his public revelation of PTSD, Woodland surges to an 18-under 192, taking a one-shot lead into the final round of the Texas Children's Houston Open, his first 54-hole lead since the 2019 U.S. Open.
Competing in Final Round of Houston Open
Gary Woodland is competing in the final round of the Texas Children's Houston Open, holding a one-stroke lead, aiming for his first PGA Tour victory since his 2019 U.S. Open win.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Professional golfer Gary Woodland's journey through brain surgery began in May 2023 when he first experienced unexplained symptoms, including tremors, dizziness, nausea, and a profound sense of fear and anxiety. Medical tests revealed a brain lesion pressing on the part of his brain that controls these emotions. After medication proved ineffective, Woodland announced in August 2023 that he would undergo surgery.
On September 18, 2023, Woodland underwent a craniotomy to remove the lesion. The surgery was extensive and carried significant risks, including potential paralysis or loss of sight. Doctors successfully removed a majority of the benign tumor and cut off its blood supply to prevent future growth. His recovery was swift, with Woodland reportedly walking out of the hospital two days post-op, against medical advice to use a wheelchair. By November 2023, he was already swinging a golf club and expressed optimism about a full return to the PGA Tour in 2024.
Woodland made his emotional return to competitive golf at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January 2024. Throughout the 2024 season, he played in 26 tournaments, making 15 cuts and securing one top-10 finish (T9 at the Shriners Children's Open). Despite his return, Woodland openly discussed the ongoing challenges, including fatigue, fogginess, and unusual symptoms, admitting in March 2024 that he might have returned to competition too soon. His perseverance was recognized in February 2025 when he was awarded the PGA Tour Courage Award.
In April 2025, Woodland achieved his best finish since his 2019 U.S. Open victory, tying for second at the Texas Children's Houston Open. However, he also revealed that a portion of the tumor remained and that he continued to experience significant fatigue, stating, "My brain's different, it is... I still have part of the tumor in there." He emphasized the mental toll, explaining that he couldn't think too far ahead or dwell on the past without his brain shutting down.
A significant turning point in his public health journey occurred in March 2026 when Woodland revealed he had been diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a year prior, stemming from the brain surgery. He described feeling like he was "living a lie" by hiding his internal struggles, which included moments of crying on the course and hypervigilance. Sharing this diagnosis publicly provided him with immense relief, feeling "a thousand pounds lighter." This candidness coincided with a resurgence in his golf game. As of March 29, 2026, Gary Woodland is leading the Texas Children's Houston Open after 54 holes, showcasing strong form and control, and is seeking his first victory since the 2019 U.S. Open.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Gary Woodland's Brain Surgery and Recovery made different choices?