Gary Woodland finds safety at Masters, shoots 71, moves into top 10
With security strategically placed around Gary Woodland at the Masters, the golfer is feeling much better about his health and his surroundings.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Gary Woodland is feeling much better about his health and his surroundings after the first round of the Masters . Woodland, who suffers from PTSD following 2023 surgery, which has led to hypervigilance when anyone get too close, was very pleased with the increased security at Augusta National.
More: Masters leaderboard, scores, pairings, videos, more "Security has been with me since I got here on Sunday so I have a better idea where they are at," said Woodland, who shot a 1-under 70 which ties him for 10th after 18 holes. "They were amazing today. Butch (caddie Brennan Little) and I are learning, too.
There are some tight tee boxes back there, so making sure the bag is behind me or Butch is standing behind me really helps calm me down a lot. " Woodland had surgery in 2023 to remove a tumor up against the part of his brain that controls fear and anxiety. He suffers from symptoms, including hypervigilance, since doctors were unable to remove the entire tumor.
That surfaced during the Texas Children's Houston Open two weeks ago when a spectator unintentionally got close to Woodland from behind during the second round. Woodland had to be calmed by Little, who assured him he was safe and showed him he was being protected by security. He broke down in tears after the round.