Gary Woodland: The former US Open champion says he “can’t waste energy” hiding his PTSD struggles

Former US Open champion Gary Woodland said he “can’t waste energy anymore”, hiding his struggles with PTSD after undergoing brain surgery in 2023.

Woodland, who won the US Open at Pebble Beach in 2019, underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in September 2023.

The American returned to the PGA Tour at the start of 2024 and has played regularly since then, but revealed he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder about a year ago.

“I can’t waste energy hiding this anymore, and I’m blessed with a lot of support here on tour,” Woodland told Golf Channel.

“I appreciate this love and support. But inside, I feel like I’m dying and I feel like I’m living a lie.”

The 41-year-old received the PGA Tour Courage Award in 2025 in recognition of his return to the sport after surgery, but his return has been far from easy.

Woodland recalls an incident at the Procor Championship in California last year when symptoms overwhelmed him during the course.

“One of the scorers startled me and approached me from behind. I pulled out the can and said, ‘You can’t let anyone get behind me,'” Woodland explained.

“Next thing you know, I couldn’t remember what I was doing. My vision started getting blurry.”

Woodland said he decided to continue playing, against his holder’s advice, because he was competing alongside two members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, for which he was set to serve as vice-captain.

He added, “I went to every bathroom to cry for the rest of the day. When I was done, I got in my car and got out of there.”

“There are days when it’s hard, crying in the recording trailer, or running to my car just to hide it. I don’t want to live this way anymore.”

Woodland said he has discussed his mental health struggles with veterans, and hopes his return to golf will inspire others.

“I hope that someone who is struggling here will see me fighting and striving and trying to live my dreams,” he said.

“I want to help people too. I realize now that I have to help myself first, and I hope this is the first step in doing that.”