Gary Woodland’s 1st PGA Tour Victory Since Brain Surgery Earns Praise from Donald Trump, Patrick Mahomes and Others

Gary Woodland claimed his 1st victory in over 6 years as he cruised home to the title at the Texas Children's Houston Open.

Gary Woodland’s 1st PGA Tour Victory Since Brain Surgery Earns Praise from Donald Trump, Patrick Mahomes and Others

Donald Trump, Gary Woodland and Patrick Mahomes (Image via Imago/X/@PGATOUR/X/@NFL_DovKleiman)

On Sunday, Gary Woodland clinched his first PGA Tour victory following his scary brain surgery in 2023. His inspirational triumph at the Texas Children’s Houston Open earned him praise from the likes of U.S. President Donald Trump, NFL star Patrick Mahomes and some of his tour peers.

The 41-year-old was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2023. The lesion in his brain would cause him to have anxiety attacks and seizures. After undergoing a surgery, he would return to PGA Tour action in 2024.

Earlier this month, the former U.S. Open winner revealed that he had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the surgery.

The one thing that keeps driving Woodland forward is his love for golf. On Sunday, the American international entered the final round of the Houston Open while having a 1-shot lead.

The golfer would cruise through victory with a 3-under 67 score in the final round. Before his final putt, the crowd would chant his name. After he drained his putt, the tears came out as he captured his first victory since the U.S. Open in June 2019.

Woodland’s emotional win would see many congratulate him. U.S. President Donald Trump, who himself is an avid fan of golf, would laud him for his triumph.

Congratulations to a great guy, and golfer, Gary Woodland, on his big win today in the Texas Children’s Houston Open. He shot 21 under par! What a GREAT comeback from a serious health problem he has achieved. Gary is a total WINNER!!!

Donald Trump on Gary Woodland on Truth Social

NFL star Patrick Mahomes also extended his congratulations to him. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, who recently returned to the field after an ACL injury, expressed that it was “awesome” to see his comeback.

Congrats!!! @GaryWoodland Awesome to witness the comeback and getting back in the winners circle!!

Patrick Mahomes on Gary Woodland on X

Justin Thomas was among one of those PGA Tour stars who reacted to his win. The 2-time major champion was the first one whom Woodland told about his brain tumor in 2023.

The whole world is for @GaryWoodland. LFG!!!!!

Justin Thomas on Gary Woodland on X

Woodland, who did not qualify for the Masters Tournament last year, is now eligible for this event in two weeks. Though he has teed up in this event several times, he only had one top-20 finish, a T14 finish, which came at the 2023 event before his brain tumor.

Min Woo Lee’s incredible gesture for Gary Woodland goes viral on social media

This past week, Australian golfer Min Woo Lee took part in his first title defense on the PGA Tour. While he came up short at the Houston Open, his incredible gesture towards Gary Woodland would go viral on social media and win the hearts of fans.

Min Woo Lee and Gary Woodland
Min Woo Lee and Gary Woodland (Image via PGA Tour/X/@NUCLRGOLF)

Last year, Lee claimed his first PGA Tour win by winning this event. He finished 1 shot ahead of runners-up Scottie Scheffler and, coincidentally, Woodland.

As the American golfer walked up on the final hole, Lee would stay behind and hype up the crowd by waving his hands in the air. Woodland would turn around and extend his gratitude for this.

Lee would later take to his X account and express that he was happy to be part of Woodland’s incredible story.

One of the best stories in golf. Happy to be apart of it today. Congrats Gary

Min Woo Lee on Gary Woodland on X

Lee finished T3 alongside Johnny Keefer at 15-under par, 6 shots behind Woodland. Runner-up, Nicolai Hojgaard, finished one shot ahead of them at 16-under.

How much money did Gary Woodland earn from winning the Houston Open?

After 6 long years, Gary Woodland found himself in the winner’s circle once again. The golfer took home the top prize at the Texas Children’s Houston Open by finishing with a 21-under par score.

Gary Woodland
Gary Woodland (Image via X/@PGATOUR)

The Houston Open had a $9.9 million purse prize. As the winner, Woodland took home the winning cheque of $1.7 million.

Meanwhile, Hojgaard, who finished second, was the only other player to take home more than $1 million. The Danish golfer earned $1.1 million for his runner-up finish.

The attention now turns towards the Valero Texas Open. This will be the final event for golfers to try to qualify for the Masters Tournament, which will be played from April 9 to 12 at the Augusta National Golf Club.

Also Read: