Gary Woodland Honored with PGA TOUR Courage Award After Inspiring Comeback
Gary Woodland’s journey over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. The four-time PGA TOUR winner and 2019 U.S. Open champion has faced immense personal challenges, yet he continues to inspire the golf world with his resilience and determination. Recently, Woodland was named the recipient of the PGA TOUR Courage Award—an honor reserved for individuals who have overcome extraordinary adversity while making a meaningful contribution to the sport.
In 2023, Woodland’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with a brain lesion. The condition caused severe symptoms, including uncontrollable anxiety, chills, and tremors, making everyday life—and professional golf—an uphill battle. Initially, doctors tried treating him with medication, but as his symptoms worsened, surgery became inevitable. In September 2023, Woodland underwent a craniotomy, during which doctors removed a significant portion of the lesion while confirming that it was benign. The surgery came with substantial risks, including potential paralysis on the left side of his body, but Woodland faced it with immense courage.
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In an emotional moment captured in Netflix’s Full Swing , Woodland revealed that, before surgery, he wrote heartfelt letters to his wife and three children, fearing he might not survive the procedure. He described it as the hardest thing he has ever done, showing just how much his family means to him. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and after months of recovery, he returned to competition in January 2024 at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
Since his comeback, Woodland has been working tirelessly to regain his top form. He has already achieved notable finishes, including a T9 at the Shriners Children’s Open, marking his first top-10 result since his diagnosis. Despite ongoing challenges, he remains focused on competing at the highest level. His resilience and openness about his struggles have resonated with fans and fellow players alike, solidifying his place as one of the most respected figures in golf.
Receiving the PGA TOUR Courage Award is a testament to Woodland’s strength, both on and off the course. PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan praised Woodland’s perseverance, calling his journey “nothing short of miraculous.” As part of the award, a $25,000 donation will be made to a charity of Woodland’s choice—Champion Charities, an organization dedicated to brain disease research and patient support. Woodland and his wife, Gabby, have pledged to match the donation, doubling the total contribution to $50,000.
Woodland’s story is far from over. As he continues his journey back to peak performance, he remains an inspiration to many, proving that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, resilience, determination, and a love for the game can lead to incredible comebacks.
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