Gary Woodland Honored with Courage Award: A Story of Resilience and Second Chances
The PGA Tour shone a well-deserved spotlight on Gary Woodland, bestowing upon him the Courage Award on Wednesday, an event that coincided serendipitously with the release of the latest season of Netflix’s "Full Swing." This timing served as a poignant backdrop, illuminating the extraordinary journey Woodland has undertaken in recent years. At 40, the esteemed golfer is in the midst of a remarkable resurgence, battling his way back to competitive form after undergoing a life-altering surgery in September 2023 to remove a baseball-sized lesion from his brain.
The "Full Swing" episode dedicated to Woodland’s experience offers viewers a deeply personal look into the medical challenges he faced. The episode, filmed during the 2024 PGA Tour season, lays bare the fear that gripped the 2019 U.S. Open champion as he confronted the gravity of his condition. It also captures the sheer determination fueling his inspiring comeback, captivating audiences worldwide with his strength and unwavering spirit.
Woodland’s return to the PGA Tour at the 2024 Sony Open in Hawaii marked more than just his physical return to the sport. It signified his willingness to share his vulnerable journey with the world. He openly discussed the harrowing experience of the surgery and the challenges that still lay ahead, providing hope and inspiration to those facing similar struggles.
The emotional weight of his journey was evident during the news conference held in conjunction with the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he accepted the Courage Award. Overcome with emotion, Woodland humbly credited his support system for his return. "It’s been a hard journey for me," he confessed, acknowledging the profound impact of the past couple of years. "Receiving this is a testament to the people around me because there’s no way I’d be back playing or sitting here today if it weren’t for them. It means everything for me to receive it, but it really belongs to the people around me."
Woodland’s willingness to share his personal battles stems from a deep desire to help others. "It’s been hard for me to share my journey, but I’ve done it for the sole purpose of trying to help people," he explained. The outpouring of love and support he received during his ordeal served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and empathy. “It pains me to think there’s someone out there going through something and doesn’t have that much support and hopefully they can see me and see my story and see I battle it every day, too.”
The road to recovery began long before the surgery itself. Woodland had been grappling with debilitating symptoms, including hand tremors and intrusive negative thoughts. An MRI in April 2023 revealed the underlying cause: a tumor located in the part of his brain responsible for controlling anxiety and fear. Despite the diagnosis, Woodland persevered, playing through the remainder of the season before ultimately undergoing surgery.
Episode 6 of "Full Swing" delves into the ongoing challenges Woodland faces in managing the effects of the brain surgery. The episode poignantly highlights the persistent headaches and the overwhelming overstimulation he experiences, both on and off the golf course. His wife plays a crucial role in helping him navigate these challenges. Woodland is now reliant on medications and breathing techniques, tools he never needed before, to regain control over his brain during moments of intense pressure and heightened stimulation during golf tournaments.
One of the most powerful moments revealed in the article underscores the gravity of the situation Woodland faced before the surgery. He recounts writing heartfelt letters to his wife and children, preparing them for the possibility that the procedure might not be successful. The weight of this decision, the immense love and responsibility he felt towards his family, are deeply moving.
However, Woodland’s resilience shone through even in the face of such uncertainty. He is described as a former college basketball player, and his competitive spirit and determination were on full display as he insisted on walking out of the hospital without the aid of a wheelchair. "I walked in this place," he declared, a statement that resonated with strength and defiance, "and I’m walking out."
As Woodland continues his comeback in 2025, he demonstrates increasing signs of returning to form and effectively managing his "new normal." With three top-25 finishes in his first four starts, he is showcasing the progress he has made. His world golf ranking has climbed from No. 200 to No. 174 since the end of 2024, a testament to his hard work and unwavering dedication.
The PGA Tour’s Courage Award is bestowed upon individuals who exemplify exceptional bravery and perseverance in overcoming extraordinary adversity, whether it be personal tragedy, debilitating injury, or severe illness. Woodland is the seventh player to receive this prestigious honor.
Reflecting on his journey, Woodland admitted that retirement was a tempting option given the magnitude of his health challenges. He acknowledged that perhaps he returned to the game too soon during the 2024 season. However, this experience allowed him to develop effective strategies for managing his condition and cultivate a newfound appreciation for his career, his life, and the friendships he has forged on the PGA Tour.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan underscored the inspirational nature of Woodland’s story, describing him as "a constant inspiration to us all." Woodland himself exudes optimism and determination for the future. "I truly believe my best golf is ahead of me," he told PGATour.com. "I believe I have a second chance at this. I understand that now. I don’t take a day for granted anymore. I also believe I have a bigger responsibility to tell my story to help people. I need to fight through the scar tissue of playing golf poorly the last couple years, but I believe I’m doing the right things, that the confidence will come back and I’ll be able to have a bigger and better career than I’ve experienced so far."
Gary Woodland’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, resilience, determination, and the support of loved ones can pave the way for remarkable comebacks and inspiring second chapters. His courage award is a perfect summation of his story.
