U.S. Open Champion Gary Woodland: 'I thought I was dying' - Opens Up About Post-Brain Surgery Struggles
Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, opens up about his challenging journey following brain surgery for a lesion last year. Returning to competitive golf at the Sony Open in January 2023, Woodland faced unprecedented challenges both on and off the course.
Initially struggling with seven missed cuts in his first 11 events, Woodland's performance improved later in the season with three top-25 finishes. However, the real battle was internal. The remaining lesion affecting the fear-controlling part of his brain led to significant lifestyle adjustments, including difficulty being around his children's energy and experiencing severe anxiety.
A particularly difficult moment came at the 3M Open in July, where overwhelming symptoms forced him to leave the course in tears. This experience led to developing new coping mechanisms, including:
- Daily breathing exercises (morning and night)
- Medication management
- Understanding stimulation limits
- Recognizing when to rest
These new practices have unexpectedly improved his golf game by helping control his heart rate. Woodland now feels more optimistic about his game than at any point since his U.S. Open victory, crediting both his improved health management and work with coach Randy Smith.
"I'm starting to feel better," Woodland says. "I understand what I need to do, slowing my brain down, slowing my heart rate down. From a golf standpoint, I'm in a better position now than I was in 2019, I just had a lot of confidence then."
Despite the ongoing challenges, Woodland expresses pride in choosing to compete rather than taking a medical break, as the experience has taught him valuable lessons about managing his condition while pursuing his professional career.