Forty-one year old PGA Tour pro golfer Gary Woodland just won the Texas Children’s Houston Open at the iconic public golf course Memorial Park in Houston by five strokes over Nicoli Hojgaard, with a 21-under par 259. It was Woodland’s first win in nearly seven years since he won his last Tour tournament, his only major win, the 2019 U.S. Open at famed Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Gary Woodland’s Health Struggles
Moreover, Gary Woodland, a professing Christian, overcame a huge health problem thirty months ago when he underwent brain surgery for removal of tumor. At that time, he didn’t know if he would live very long let alone play tournament golf again. A lot of people were pulling for the likable and calm pro with the syrupy smooth golf swing. As he approached the last green as the imminent winner, the crowd was chanting loudly, ”
Ga-ry, Ga-ry, Ga-ry.” It was even an emotional moment for the greatest game on grass.
Shapely Gary Woodland was a natural athlete, having played both golf and basketball in college. Nevertheless, two weeks ago, he spoke publicly for the first time, in a Golf Channel interview, about having struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his brain surgery. He said he was fighting it even last year in this Houston tournament when he finished runner-up.
Gary Woodland: A Tribute to the Game
In the televised interview soon after his win today, Gary Woodland got emotional too, shedding tears as he paid tribute to groups of people who had supported him with their encouragement and prayers through his health ordeal. He said, “Anyone struggling with something, I hope they see me and don’t give up. Just keep fighting.” He especially thanked his wife Gabby who was there, of whom he said, “I love her to death. This has been hard on me. It’s been a lot harder on her.”
Gary Woodland is a tribute to the gentleman’s game. Surely we all wish him well.
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