Masters 2026: Gary Woodland ready for Augusta National challenge amid PTSD battle after Houston Open win
"It's still a battle in my head if I'm safe or not."
Gary Woodland knows it’s not going to be easy for him out on the course this week at the Masters. Not only is he competing in the biggest tournament of the season, but fans will be back into Augusta National. Large galleries will be surrounding the course, near greens and tee boxes, with all of their attention on him.
That is often a trigger for Woodland. The 41-year-old revealed last month that he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, something that's been impacting him significantly out on the golf course. That came after he had brain surgery to remove a lesion in 2023, which was triggering seizures and leading to terrifying symptoms that left him anxious and afraid he was going to die.
But two weeks ago, Woodland won the Houston Open by five shots in what was his first win since his health issues started. That, naturally, led to a very emotional scene on the green. What a moment ❤️ pic.
twitter. com/nwPC0Y75sf — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 29, 2026 “People ask me, ‘How was the win? ’ The one thing I know is having this brain tumor and having PTSD, it doesn't matter if I win or lose.