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Gary Woodland Wins Emotional Houston Open After Surgery

PUBLISHED Mar 29, 2026, 12:59 AM ET

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Sources: 8

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Sources: 8

HOUSTON — Gary Woodland won the Houston Open on Sunday, closing with a 3-under 67 to finish 21-under 259 at Memorial Park Golf Course and secure a five-stroke victory over Nicolai Højgaard, marking his first PGA Tour win since the 2019 U.S. Open. The victory followed Woodland’s September 2023 brain surgery and a public disclosure of post-traumatic stress disorder in recent weeks; he and his team responded with gratitude, the gallery applauded, and organizers recorded final official scores and payout figures this week.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

September 2023: Gary Woodland undergoes brain surgery to remove a lesion.
Early spring (this year): Woodland returns to competition on the PGA Tour.
Two weeks before Houston Open: Woodland publicly discloses struggles with PTSD during a Players interview.
Saturday (54 holes): Woodland holds a one-shot lead at 18-under 192 after shooting 5-under 65.
Sunday (final round): Woodland shoots 3-under 67 to finish 21-under 259 and wins the Houston Open by five strokes.

News Intelligence

Gary Woodland's win is a testament to resilience. It shows that personal struggles, like PTSD, don't define us. It's a reminder that we can overcome challenges, even after major health scares. If you're facing adversity, take a leaf out of Woodland's book: seek help, stay determined, and keep pushing.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

Gary Woodland, his support team, and mental health advocates benefited from the victory and public disclosure, gaining renewed attention, public sympathy, and visibility for athlete mental-health issues.

Who Impacted

Nicolai Højgaard and other competitors finished behind Woodland, losing the title and associated prize money and ranking advantages at the Houston Open.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Nicolai Højgaard and other competitors finished behind Woodland, losing the title and associated prize money and ranking advantages at the Houston Open.