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Lee relieved after maiden PGA title win | 04:18
Min Woo Lee entered the PGA Tour’s winner circle on Monday morning to realise his stunning potential – but just beneath the surface at Houston, an even more incredible story was brewing.
Just one shot behind Lee – who was winning his first career PGA Tour title – was American Gary Woodland whose golf comeback was taking a massive leap forwards.
Woodland, 40, has overcome major health challenges to make an unbelievable return to the PGA Tour after undergoing brain surgery 18 months ago.
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“This week was unbelievable, to be honest with you,” Woodland said.
“The fans were absolutely amazing. I battled some fatigue and stuff out there and they pushed me, they really did. I fed off their energy. Their love and support really carried me, especially over the weekend.
“Today was amazing and I needed that boost, it was nice.”
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He added: “That’s why I’m out here, to prove to them (his children) that you can overcome anything and you’ve just got to keep fighting, and I think I showed a little bit of that today.”
Woodland underwent a Craniotomy in September of 2023, after doctors discovered a lesion pressing on the part of the brain that controls anxiety and fear.
Woodland during the Mexico Open in Vidanta in May of 2023 was overcome with severe symptoms due to the lesion, such as tremors, chills, loss of appetite and overwhelming fear. He initially managed his symptoms with medication and continued to compete through the 2023 season despite the large mental and physical toll.
After missing the 2023 Fed Ex Cup playoffs due to his condition, he underwent surgery which was successful in removing some of the lesion while preserving his motor and vision functions.
“It’s hard for me to get ahead thinking-wise because I don’t have the stamina to do it,” Woodland said after the Houston Open.
“So a lot of breath work, a lot of things to slow everything down. I was in really good control of my thoughts and my emotions, which hasn’t been the case for me for a long time. With that said, today was a great day for me.”
Remarkably, Woodland – the 2019 US Open champion – is now competing again full-time while still managing symptoms from the surgery.
And not only is he just competing but, just before the 2025 edition of The Masters, he’s suddenly finding his best form again.
He posted a 6-under 64 in the second round in Houston on Friday to move up into the top five heading into the weekend.
But he saved his best for last, firing a stunning 62 in the final round which included a birdie-eagle-par-birdie finish across the final four holes.
After a long stretch of playing signature events this year without finishing inside the top 20, Woodland is suddenly on people’s radar again.
This is Woodland’s best performance on the PGA Tour since making his return and he has now moved up into the top 50 of the FedEx Cup Standings.
Woodland’s 8-under 62 at Memorial Park Golf Course was a joint course record and saw him finish 19-under for the week. He hit an iron to 2 feet on the 18th hole and got a lively ovation from the gallery as he walked to the green to tap in and secure a birdie.
This tournament was special, as it’s another stepping stone for Woodland to find his way back into the winner’s circle.
His redemption has been one of the best stories in golf.
Woodland was awarded the PGA Tour’s Courage Award in February ahead of the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. The Courage Award honours those who overcome extraordinary adversity to contribute meaningfully to golf. Woodland, is the seventh recipient, joining the likes of Erik Compton and late Australian Jarrod Lyle.
