Gary Woodland cherishes Masters return post-surgery
Gary Woodland returned to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club after brain surgery and a battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. His victory at the Houston Open in March secured the final spot in the competitive field. The 41-year-old 2019 U.S. Open champion savored the traditions while managing mental health triggers amid crowds.
Woodland underwent surgery in 2023 to remove a benign brain lesion that caused seizures, anxiety and fear. Symptoms persisted afterward, leading to a PTSD diagnosis roughly a year ago. He finished tied for 14th at the 2023 Masters, missed the cut in 2024 and failed to qualify last year.
"I love this place," Woodland said Tuesday. "I love the tradition. There’s nothing like driving down Magnolia Lane. I definitely drove down a little slower this year than I ever have, even the first time I was here in 2011." He met with security officials at Augusta to identify their positions on each hole for visual reassurance.
During the Houston Open second round, Woodland endured a tense stretch over the final 10 holes, convinced people were trying to kill him despite security presence. "It's a big week for me this week," he said of the Masters. "The fans are very close on the tee boxes. There's a lot going on. There's probably not a safer golf tournament in the world, so I'm happy for that. But it's still a battle in my head if I'm safe or not."
"I'm emotional from the standpoint I know how close I probably was to never being back here, and I'm very proud of myself for earning my way back," Woodland said. He added that his conditions render wins and losses irrelevant.
