No matter what comes to pass in the 2026 golfing season, there can be no doubt that Gary Woodland’s victory in the Houston Open on Sunday night will be judged as one of the most popular in the locker room.
At next week’s Masters, the first major of the season, there will be plenty of soul-searching after Tiger Woods’ latest car crash, which has put the icon’s comeback in serious doubt.
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But to see Woodland there at the Cathedral of Pines – courtesy of this success – will be an absolute joy for everyone who knows the American’s torrid story and a reminder of the redemptive nature of the sport.
Woodland, 41, underwent brain surgery three years ago to remove a tumour that, as well as causing tremors, seizures and crippling headaches, triggered nerves that led to fear and anxiety.
The surgery was risky but successful, and he and his family – wife Gabby and their three young children – thought their nightmare had ended. But earlier this month, after struggling to relaunch a career highlighted by his 2019 US Open victory, he tearfully opened up to a Golf Channel journalist about the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which had blighted his life ever since.
“Inside, I feel like I’m dying,” he said. “There are days when it’s tough, crying in the scoring trailer, running to my car just to hide it. I feel like I’m living a lie. And I don’t want to waste energy on that anymore.”
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He was only one clear going into the final round over Nicolai Hojgaard, and the young Dane, already a proven Ryder Cup competitor, was the favourite. But Woodland showed the prowess to pull away with three birdies in a devastating four-hole spell starting at the fifth.
It started with a 10-footer, picked up pace with a 25-footer on the par-three seventh, and then again with a two-putt four on the par-five eighth. Another two on the par-three ninth only underlined his superiority. He was clear and gone and the back nine was effectively a celebration as he cruised to a five-shot victory despite a bogey at 14.
Woodland with his wife Gabby and the Houston Open trophy – Jordan Bank/Getty Images
“We play an individual sport out here but I was not alone today,” Woodland said wiping away tears on the 18th green at Memorial Park. “I have a lot of people behind me, my team, my family. I hope anyone who is struggling with something I hope they see me and don’t give up. Just keep fighting.
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“It is just another day, I have to keep healing. Today was a good day but I have a big fight ahead of me and I am going to keep going but I am proud of myself right now.”
The general sentiment throughout golf was of overwhelming concern for a laid-back character devoid of ego who is a delight to be around. In truth, nobody expected the man from Kansas to bounce back this quickly, despite his press conference on Tuesday.
“Honestly, I feel like I’ve got a thousand pounds off my back,” Woodland said. “It was hard to go through. I was crying going into the [Golf Channel] interview, but now I’m left feeling a thousand pounds lighter. I’m freed up.”
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A free-flowing and confident Woodland is a dangerous prospect. He hits the ball a mile – almost 200mph ball speed – and has the touch of a magician. And so he went to work at Memorial Park, one of the great municipal layouts in America, and put on a front-running display of which even Woods would be proud. Woodland grabbed the advantage in the second round and from there, did not look back in a ball-striking clinic.
This was Woodland’s first win since that major breakthrough at Pebble Beach seven years ago and he should not be underestimated at Augusta. Right now, Woodland is exactly the tale that golf needs. “This is my dream,” he said. “I have a lot of fight in me and I’m not going to let this thing win”.
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