PGA Tour professional Gary Woodland has candidly addressed his prolonged struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition he attributes to brain surgery performed over two years prior. Though he made a visible return to competitive golf, Woodland confessed to a deep internal conflict, feeling compelled to conceal his emotional distress. He shared a powerful anecdote from a tournament where his hidden struggles manifested dramatically, underscoring the profound impact of his health journey.
Woodland’s surgery in September 2023 was critical, aiming to remove a lesion and stop seizures. Following a period of recovery, he resumed his golf career the subsequent January, consistently participating in tournaments. However, his outward appearance of normalcy belied an intense inner battle. During an interview, Woodland disclosed that he felt as if he was “dying” inside while projecting an image of full recovery to his supporters and peers on the Tour, describing it as “living a lie.”
A particularly vivid illustration of his challenges occurred during an event in Napa, California, last autumn. Woodland recounted an incident where a staff member’s proximity on the course triggered an overwhelming reaction. He described his eyesight blurring and a sudden inability to remember his actions, leading to a breakdown on the fairway. Despite his caddie suggesting they withdraw, Woodland pushed through, driven by a commitment to his fellow competitors, members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, for whom he was set to serve as an assistant captain. He confessed to seeking refuge in bathrooms throughout the day to cry, a testament to his determination to appear strong while privately grappling with his pain.
Woodland expressed his hope that by sharing his experience, he can inspire others facing similar mental health challenges. He emphasized the importance of not facing these battles alone, a lesson he learned from discussions with veterans. His public confession marks a pivotal moment in his personal healing, as he aims to prioritize his own well-being. This courageous step not only signifies a path toward self-help but also contributes to raising awareness about mental health struggles in the demanding world of professional sports.
Woodland, a U.S. Open champion from 2019, has four career PGA Tour victories, though none since his major win. In the preceding year, he achieved one top-10 finish, tying for second at the Texas Children's Houston Open, and concluded the season ranked 72nd in the FedEx Cup standings, demonstrating his continued commitment to the sport despite his personal battles.