HONOLULU — As Gary Woodland arrived for the Sony Open, he couldn’t help but reflect on Grayson Murray, the defending champion who tragically lost his life four months after his victory. Murray had been candid about his battles with anxiety and addiction, and Woodland, who has faced his own challenges with mental health, resonates with the importance of openness in such matters.
In early 2023, Woodland experienced intense fear as he grappled with a brain lesion that sparked irrational anxieties. After doctors performed surgery to remove much of the tumor, Woodland has been on the mend and is eagerly looking forward to a new year of golf.
A heartbreaking ceremony took place Tuesday morning along the shores east of Waikiki, where many players, caddies, and officials gathered to honor Murray. Woodland recalled a poignant interaction during their last round together at the PGA Championship just days before Murray’s death. A fan relentlessly called out to Murray, initially going unnoticed until he finally caught Grayson’s attention. The man broke down, expressing his gratitude for Murray’s openness about his struggles, noting how he had found sobriety and inspiration through Murray’s story.
This moment left a lasting impression on Woodland, who realized that Murray was indeed helping many others without even realizing it. “It was beautiful,” Woodland reflected, acknowledging the profound impact one could have on another’s life through shared experiences.
As Woodland, celebrated for his 2019 U.S. Open victory at Pebble Beach, reflects on his journey of recovery following brain surgery in September 2023, he embraces that message of hope and influence. His experience at last year’s Sony Open marked his return to competitive play, and he continues to discuss his recovery openly, even while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
Eric Murray, Grayson’s father, emotionally shared how the PGA Tour community rallied around them during this difficult time, aiding in the establishment of the Grayson Murray Foundation aimed at supporting mental health and addiction recovery.
“I’m very blessed to have a big team around me,” Woodland noted, highlighting that not everyone shares the same support system. He strives to communicate that those struggling are not alone, sharing his own challenges despite living out his dream of playing golf.
Woodland has been moved by the responses from fans, who often approach him, sharing how seeing him back on the course gives them hope in their battles with serious health issues. “I want to have a positive impact on this world,” Woodland stated, affirming that he remains focused on uplifting others through his journey.
However, the path has not been without difficulty. Woodland recalled experiences where he’d find himself needing to call his wife out of fear while in locations connected with his past health crises.
In July, he faced a severe low point at the 3M Open, as overwhelming fears consumed him. This led him on a quest for further diagnosis until he discovered that his scans were clear and recognized the need for mental stability. Over time, his golf game began to improve with the help of renowned swing coach Randy Smith, alongside finding strategies to keep his mind calm, which afforded him more time with family.
Incorporating breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation into his daily routine has fostered significant improvement in both his mental and physical health. He enters this new season feeling more positive than ever while continuing to share his story, inspired by Murray’s legacy and the lessons learned through his own experiences.
“Golf is something that I do. It’s not who I am,” Woodland explained, emphasizing that he’s more than just an athlete. He aspires to be a devoted husband and father, keen on leaving a positive mark on the world. “If you’re ever feeling alone in that moment, it sucks. And it’s hard,” he remarked, reminding everyone of the significance of support in times of struggle.
