The past season has been a journey to hell and back for Gary Woodland. Last summer, the 39-year-old was diagnosed with a lesion on his brain, which caused severe anxiety that distorted his ability to play golf or even pick up a club. However, after the removal of the tumor, Woodland had been on the path to recovery.

Amidst his healing journey, the Kansas native was given the chance to play with Tiger Woods at the Riviera Country Club. After playing a round of sticks and balls, Woodland shared his experience of playing golf and that too with Mr. T.

Gary Woodland finds his footing again

Four months after his brain surgery, Gary Woodland made his return to the PGA Tour circuit at the 2024 Sony Open. Despite the 39-year-old having overcome his struggles, he missed the cut. Then, at the WM Phoenix Open and Torrey Pines, a similar result awaited Woodland. However, the fourth start of the 2024 season at Riviera is looking more promising than before.

Woodland got the chance to play at the Genesis Invitational after Tiger Woods extended a sponsor exemption his way. Woods felt that it was important to have Woodland back this week and his strength needed applause from the golf world. Furthermore, he shared that there haven’t been many conversations “about what he’s gone through” and how “scary” it was as he fought through tremors.

Getting recognition for his battles by Woods, the 39-year-old was grateful to his friend and made the best of the day. As NBC reported, Woodland said, “It was the best day I had all year.” Happy with his round one performance, Woodland said that despite a few bogeys, he had played “beautifully” at Riviera and thought the path to being great again would be long, but “Today was a big step in the right direction.”

It was indeed the right step. As through the 18-hole, Woodland started his round with three consequent birdies and then made an eagle at par-4 hole 10, eventually finishing 1 under 70. The score had positioned Woodland tied at 28 on the leaderboard and 21 steps ahead of his playing partners, Woods and Justin Thomas (T49). The three were giving each other tough competition, though they didn’t forget to enjoy the time together too.

Tiger Woods enjoys his time with JT and Woodland

Since the last Masters, Tiger Woods had been off the greens and three months later, Gary Woodland had also left the golf world for a while. Since both were battling through serious health woes, Woods and Woodland could not meet each other for a round of golf. However, the missed time has been recompensed at Riviera Golf Course.

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The two had finally met on the greens, and to make things better, Justin Thomas was accompanying them as well. The three thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. As Woods said through round one, the three were “chatty” and “It was great to just be out there with those two.” Moreover, the Jupiter resident revealed their off-course friendship and said that they always “text and call each other.” 

While meeting Thomas is a daily occurrence for Woods, it was special. “To be out there with him [Woodland] and just share the moment with him, it was a lot of fun.” Woodland also shared that it was delightful for him, and he learned a lot from Woods and was fortunate to play with him. The trio will be paired up for the second round as well; this time, which out of the three will take the lead?

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