Gary Woodland has starred at the U.S. Open before, but after battling to return to form in 2024, his performance in the first round at Oakmont on Thursday is one he’ll never forget.
Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open winner, had surgery in September 2023 to remove a brain tumor. The veteran golfer discovered the lesion in his brain earlier in the year and had been taking medication to manage it before he and his family opted for the procedure.Â
Woodland competed all of last year while recovering, remarkably making 18 out of 24 cuts and securing six top-25 finishes. He received the PGA Tour Courage Award in February for his efforts.
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Now in contention at the 2025 U.S. Open, Woodland continues to write one of the most unbelievable comeback stories in golf. Â
Here’s what to know about Gary Woodland’s health history.
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Gary Woodland health history
Woodland’s battle against his brain condition began in April 2023, when an MRI revealed a tumor on the part of his brain that controls anxiety and fear. At first, Woodland and his family opted to treat it with medication, and he finished out the season.
In September 2023, Woodland had surgery to remove the lesion in his brain, and after a few months of rest and recovery, he returned in January 2024 for the Sony Open in Hawaii. However, Woodland experienced ongoing headaches and overstimulation — side effects of the procedure — during tournaments that year. He detailed his struggles on Episode 6 of Netflix’s “Full Swing” series.
Incredibly, Woodland had success while dealing with his condition, making the cut in 18 events and finishing in the top 25 six times. His best result was a tie for ninth at the Shriner’s Children’s Open in October. In February 2025, Woodland received the PGA Tour Courage Award for his remarkable performance while battling through adversity the previous year.Â
“It’s been a hard journey for me,” Woodland said. “The last couple years have been hard and receiving this is a testament to the people around me because there’s no way I’d be back playing or sitting here today if it weren’t for them. It means everything for me to receive it but it really belongs to the people around me. It’s been hard for me to share my journey but I’ve done it for the sole purpose of trying to help people.”
Did Gary Woodland have cancer?
Gary Woodland did not have cancer, as his tumor was benign. However, the lesion was pressing on the part of his brain that controls anxiety and fear, making it difficult for him to regulate his emotions in high-stress environments.
Woodland revealed that before his surgery in September 2023, he wrote letters to his wife and children in case his procedure was unsuccessful. With their love and support, he’s been able to not only return, but also compete at a high level on the course.
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Gary Woodland age
Gary Woodland was born on May 21, 1984, making him 41 years old. He turned professional in 2007 and has been on the PGA Tour for 18 years. Â
Gary Woodland majors timeline
Woodland has had success in majors before, winning the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. He also tied for 6th at the PGA Championship in 2018. Here’s a look at Woodland’s best results in majors:
| Year | Event | Result | Score | Course |
| 2023 | The Masters | T-14 | -3 | Augusta National (GA) |
| 2018 | PGA Championship | T-6 | -10 | Bellerive (MO) |
| 2019 | U.S. Open | Won | -13 | Pebble Beach (CA) |
| 2016 | The Open Championship | T-12 | -1 | Royal Troon (U.K.) |
