PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — On Wednesday, Gary Woodland, a former U.S. Open champion, was recognized with the prestigious PGA Tour Courage Award following his return after undergoing brain surgery to remove a lesion. This lesion had led him to experience irrational thoughts about his health.
Woodland, who secured the U.S. Open victory at Pebble Beach in addition to winning three other PGA Tour titles, faced a challenging surgery in September 2023 where a part of his skull the size of a baseball was removed to extract the lesion. Despite these hurdles, he has made progress both professionally and personally, as he continues to refine his performance on the course and restore his daily life with his wife Gabby and their three children.
During a ceremony at PGA National, where he is participating in the Cognizant Classic, Woodland remarked, “Receiving this award is a reflection of the support system I have. There’s no way I’d be back playing or here today without them. It’s a tremendous honor for me, but it truly belongs to those around me.”
The Courage Award is a distinguished honor given to individuals who have triumphed over exceptional adversity, such as personal losses or severe health challenges, and have notably contributed to the world of golf. Notable past recipients include Chris Kirk for his struggle against alcoholism, Australian golfer Jarrod Lyle who battled leukemia, and Erik Compton, a two-time heart transplant survivor.
Gary Woodland was presented the award by PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. “His remarkable journey through numerous challenges is truly inspiring,” Monahan stated. “Despite the ongoing management of his symptoms, he continues to compete and excel at the highest professional golf level. Gary Woodland serves as a beacon of motivation for everyone.”
The PGA Tour Courage Award is accompanied by a $25,000 donation to a charity chosen by the recipient. Woodland selected Champion Charities as his charity, committing to match the donation with his own contribution. This charity focuses on research and supporting those affected by brain tumors, diseases, and trauma. Woodland was introduced to the organization by his partner in this year’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, former San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Harris Barton, whose parents both succumbed to brain tumors.
Since returning to the game, Woodland achieved one top ten finish last year, marking his return to competitive golf. This year marks the final year of his exemption granted from his U.S. Open win.
“At the heart of it, I’m a fighter,” he expressed. “I refuse to let this situation hinder my aspirations. I fight daily for my family and my dreams. Out on the greens, I have great ambitions, and I am determined to pursue them. I am learning how to adapt and manage everyday life while leveraging these skills to enhance my golf game. I’m close to a breakthrough, and I will keep pushing until I achieve my goals.”
