Gary Woodland won the 2026 Texas Children Houston Open, a momentous victory for a golfer who has endured so much.
In September 2023, Woodland, 41, underwent surgery to remove a lesion on his brain. Though he was able to return to the PGA Tour in 2024, doctors were not able to clear the entire tumor and advised the 2019 U.S. Open champion to discontinue playing.
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But Woodland decided to forge ahead, and on Sunday, March 29, he collected the the fifth win of his career and his first since the 2019 U.S. Open – 6 years, 9 months and 13 days ago.
When Woodland’s final putt dropped on the 18th hole, the crowd errupted into chats of “Gary, Gary, Gary,” as Woodland became emotional, hugging his caddie then embracing his wife, Gabby.
Woodland carded a 3-under 67 in the final round, finishing -21 for the tournament at the Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. Nicolai Højgaard finished second, four strokes behind at -17. Johnny Keefer and Min Woo tied for third at -15.
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Woodland was noticeably emotional talking to reporters after the tournament as well. When asked how important this win was for him and his recovery, he said, “It’s just another day that I got to keep healing. Today was a good day, but I’m going to keep fighting.” He continued, “But I’m proud of myself right now.”
“I got a lot of people behind me — my team, my family — in this golf world. Anybody that is struggling with something. I hope they see me and don’t give up. Just keep fighting,” said Woodland.
▶ LEADERBOARD: Final results from the Texas Children’s Houston Open
Woodland revealed earlier this month that he has been playing through post-traumatic stress disorder, telling The Golf Channel that during the Procore Championship last September, he would wear sunglasses and go to the bathroom to cry while continuing to participate in the tournament.
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Woodland decided he was not going to “waste energy” trying to hide his PTSD and told the Golf Channel during the interview in early March that he has received tremendous support since returning to competition. “Every week, I come out and everyone is so excited and happy that I’m back. I hear that every week.”
Woodland continued,”(Golf) is what I’m going to do, and no matter how hard it is, I’m going to play.”
Gary Woodland wins Houston Open: Highlights
When was the last time Woodland won a tournament?
Woodland had not won a tournament on the PGA Tour since the 2019 U.S. Open prior to this weekend’s win.
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The win comes just 2.5 years after his brain surgery.
Woodland’s other career wins came at the 2018 Waste Management Open, 2013 Reno-Tahoe Open, and 2011 Transitions Championship.
Will Woodland play at the 2026 Masters?
This win at the Houston Open has secured Woodland an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament. The Masters will begin on Thursday, April 9.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gary Woodland wins Houston Open PGA Tour event after brain surgery
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