How does a professional athlete overcome a potentially fatal medical crisis? According to the 2019 U.S. Open champion, Gary Woodland, the answer is found in determination, family, and an unwavering spirit. Woodland, born in Topeka, Kansas, has had an incredible career, from collegiate basketball player to PGA Tour standout. He has won four times on the PGA Tour, but his greatest victory was his major championship at Pebble Beach in 2019.

Away from the course, Woodland is a loving father who treasures his life with his lady love, Gabby, and their three kids: twin daughters Maddox and Lennox, and son Jaxson. But it’s been a tough ride. He has endured both professional and personal setbacks that have tried his willpower. Yet, with each one, he’s only grown stronger. One of the biggest obstacles was a deadly health problem that Woodland had to deal with recently. Let’s look at how Woodland has bravely battled and overcome it.

An emotional recall: The hardest letters ever written

It all started in May 2023, when Woodland exhibited disturbing symptoms, like tremors and extreme anxiousness. Medical investigations revealed a lesion pressing on the part of the brain that controls anxiety and terror. His condition deteriorated despite early therapies, and in September 2023 a craniotomy was performed. Woodland and his family were forever changed by the experience, even though the majority of the benign tumor was safely removed during the surgery.

Woodland spoke candidly about the terrifying experience he had while getting ready for brain surgery in the most recent season of Full Swing on Netflix. He broke down in tears as he described a very intimate incident that forced him to face his worst fears in the final five days before surgery. Woodland said, “It would’ve been easy for me to not play this year. I obviously didn’t feel well. I wasn’t playing well. I had no results. But what’s got me through this journey, it’s been my family.”

Fearing the worst, Woodland took the heartbreaking choice to start composing letters to his loved ones during this trying period. He disclosed, “I decided to write these letters. I started with the kids. I wanted them to know that all I’ve ever dreamed of was being a professional athlete, but being their dad was more than anything I could ever dream of. And not being able to walk the girls down the aisle and be there for them and see them live their dreams… Just know that I’m with you.”

Few people could understand the emotional weight of his statements. One particularly moving message he left for his son was, “Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Because it’s something I’ve struggled with in my life. And I just wanted him to know that.” He also left a heartfelt letter of appreciation to his wife, saying, “I wouldn’t change anything. It was perfect. Those letters were the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

Woodland has faced both physical and mental obstacles on his road to recovery. Alongside managing seizures with regular medicine, yoga, and meditation, he has struggled with PTSD flashbacks. He still has an unrelenting passion for golf despite these challenges. Once ranked No. 12 in the world, Woodland is determined to reclaim his best form, battling through tournaments to earn a Masters spot. In Full Swing, his emotions laid bare a man who has faced challenges far tougher than any on the golf course. Woodland’s strength came from facing mortality, not trophies. Seeing it recognized almost caught him off guard. Let’s explore more.

Gary Woodland receives the PGA Tour Courage Award

Woodland’s perseverance was not overlooked. It was recognized in February 2025 with the PGA Tour Courage Award, a tribute to those who overcome hardships and inspire the game. The prize comes with a $25,000 donation to the recipient’s preferred charity; Woodland selected Champion Charities, a group that supports patients and does research on brain tumors. He and his spouse, Gabby, donated a total amount of $50,000. 

Woodland was moved to tears when he heard about this distinction. In an appearance with ABC’s Good Morning America, he was taken aback by the announcement. Refusing to cry, he acknowledged his family and colleagues for their persistent support, saying, “I definitely wouldn’t be here today… if it wasn’t for them.” The award, he stressed, was as much theirs as it was his.

Woodland’s journey is a source of inspiration and optimism. His tale serves as a reminder of the value of fortitude, the strength of support networks, and the tenacity of the human spirit. Woodland is still a living testament to overcoming hardship and the significant influence of bravery as he manages both his private and professional existences.