Emotional Woodland seals first win since brain surgery

After a seven-year hiatus, Gary Woodland secured his first PGA Tour victory in over a decade at the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open. The 41-year-old American celebrated the win with a heartfelt embrace of his wife, Gabby, following a dramatic final putt that brought him to tears. His triumph came amidst a personal battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which he revealed earlier this month after undergoing brain tumor surgery in September 2023.

Award and leaderboard

Woodland’s emotional moment on the 18th green was met with thunderous applause from the crowd, who chanted his name as he closed out the tournament. The final round saw him finish at 21 under par, a score that solidified his position as the event’s champion. In the same competition, Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark ended with -16, while other notable participants included Johnny Keefer (US) and Min Woo Lee (Aus) at -15, and Steven Stevens (US) at -14.

“We play an individual sport, but I wasn’t alone today. I’ve got a lot of people behind me—my team, my family. Anyone struggling with something, I hope they see me and don’t give up. Just keep fighting,” Woodland shared.

Tournament progression

Despite a challenging start, Woodland showcased composure during the final round, particularly on the par-70 Memorial Park Golf Course. His front nine performance—four birdies—set the tone for a dominant finish, while Hojgaard, who had previously posted an eight-under 62, faltered with a seven-under 63. The Dane managed to close the gap to five shots on the 14th hole but couldn’t match Woodland’s resilience on the 17th and 18th.

Woodland’s victory marked his fifth PGA Tour title and positioned him as a contender for the season’s first major at the upcoming Masters. Reflecting on his achievement, he stated: “I’m most proud that I didn’t give up on my career during a tough few years. I tried to slow down and take things in because it didn’t feel possible a couple of years ago.”

Personal triumph

Speaking about his mental health journey, Woodland highlighted the importance of perseverance: “I can’t waste energy hiding my diagnosis. It’s been hard on me, harder for Gabby. I love her to death.” His emotional victory not only reaffirmed his place on the tour but also served as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.