“I wanted to share a personal update with you all,” the American professional Gary Woodland announced before passing the test of courage and dedication. After facing unexpected symptoms in May 2023, the golfer was diagnosed with a brain lesion that was putting pressure on the part of the brain that controlled fear and anxiety. The doctors tried to treat the condition with medications, but it worsened. Following this, Woodland underwent surgery on Sept 19, 2023, to remove a part of the tumor.

The long process kept him away from the course for more than 4 months. He returned at the 2024 Sony Open in Hawaii. Despite physical and mental challenges, Gary Woodland has struggled for top finishes. In 2024, he managed just one top-10 at the Shriners Children’s Open. His last standout performances came in March 2022, with T5 finishes at the Honda Classic and Arnold Palmer Invitational. Since then, his results have been inconsistent, lacking strong contention.

Woodland in 2025 also had a mix of results as he recorded top-20 finishes but also had three missed cuts. However, at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, the story was different as he ended in T2 place with his round score of 69-64-66-62. He expressed his feelings, saying, “It was great just to get those juices flowing again, just to see some results, for that matter.” Woodland, now with his result, seems to be happy and pumped for his participation. As last time he achieved a victory or runner-up position was in 2019. The year he won the US Open.

But the celebration of his great finish didn’t end there, as the 40-year-old shared a post on Instagram laying out his thoughts on his performance. He wrote in the caption, “Almost there. This might be the best second place has ever felt. I can’t get over how incredible the fans were today, your energy carried me so much. Thank you, @tchouopen, for a great week. See you all at @valerotxopen, let’s bring it home.” He recorded a great score with the help of one eagle and 23 birdies. Though he had 6 bogeys, too, it was compensated with the great birdies streak.

The loss with just a stroke was a thriller till the last hole; if Min Woo Lee had missed the par on the last hole, the result might have been different with the playoff taking place. “First off, congrats to Min Woo. Everyone out here knows how talented the kid is. He’s an absolute stud. We all know once you break through for him, the sky’s the limit, so really happy for him,” said Woodland. After the golfer shared his overall gratitude on social media, fans have emerged to show their full support to the golfer.

Support pours in for Gary Woodland after his performance at the Houston Open

The great result of the golfer is what the majority of the golf world was expecting from Woodland. After his struggles in his personal life has now made a great comeback. One of the fans wrote, “Courage personified. Congrats.👏👏👏.” Earlier, in 2017, the golfer experienced the unfortunate loss of his first child during pregnancy. After the news, he fought back. Similarly, he managed to do it at the Houston Open after his brain surgery.

More fans joined in, writing, “Prayers answered,” and “Thank you for your example of grace and courage, G. ❤️” After the unfortunate in 2017, he has fought back with two victories in the 2018 WM Phoenix Open and 2019 the US Open. With the addition of brain surgery, it was never easy for the golfer to get back to full-fledged form against the top professional. He was tied with the world no. 1 Scottie Scheffler!

Notably, Valero Texas Open’s official account dropped a comment that read, “Can’t wait to have you here this week!❤” As the golfer has confirmed his next appearance at the Valero Texas Open, and hoped for a victory by writing it on the caption. The tournament’s account has left no space, sharing gratitude for the golfer with the ongoing great finishes. With the great performance curve, all eyes will be on Gary Woodland. But will he be able to clinch a victory before heading to The Masters? What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments below.