• Gary Woodland received the PGA Tour’s Courage Award Wednesday, Feb. 26, following his return to play after brain surgery. Woodland had the surgery in September 2023.
• Tests showed Woodland had a brain tumor pushing on the part of the brain that regulates anxiety and fear.
• As part of the award, the PGA Tour donated $25,000 to Champion Charities, which Woodland has matched.

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In the fall of 2023, PGA Tour golfer Gary Woodland underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor that was causing debilitating fear and anxiety. Sixteen months later, the Tour is honoring him for his comeback.

What is the PGA Tour’s Courage Award?

The PGA Tour presented Woodland their “Courage Award” Wednesday. He’s the 7th player to win the award since it was established in 2012. It’s given to the player who has overcome extraordinary adversity to significantly contribute to the game.

“Gary’s journey has been well documented, and the fact that he has overcome so many challenges associated with his initial diagnosis is nothing short of miraculous,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a press release. “We are so proud to honor him with the PGA Tour Courage Award, recognizing his relentless spirit and his willingness to share his story and inspire others.”

How did Woodland’s tumor affect him?

Tests in 2023 showed the tumor Woodland had was pushing on the part of the brain that controls fear and anxiety. It caused Woodland to have unfounded fears and thoughts that he was dying. He also had trouble staying focused and even getting out of bed every morning. He didn’t know if he’d ever play golf again. The surgery removed most of the mass and cut off the blood supply to prevent future growth.

“It’s been a hard journey for me. The last couple years have been really hard,” Woodland said at a press conference Wednesday, Feb. 26, “Receiving this is a testament to the people around me because there’s no way, one, I’d be back playing or no way I’d be sitting here today if it wasn’t for them.”

How many tournaments has Woodland won?

In 2019, Woodland was at the top of his game, winning the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. He’s won three other times on tour. This season, he’s had four starts and finished in the top 25 in three of those tournaments. He says his comeback will always be a work in progress, but his perspective has changed.

“It pains me to think that somebody’s out there going through something and not having that much support,” Woodland said. “And hopefully, they can see me or see my story and realize that I battle it every day too. And they can see me and say, ‘If that guy can do it, I can do it.'”

What charity is receiving a donation?

Along with the award, the PGA Tour will donate $25,000 to Champion Charities, which conducts research and supports patients with brain tumors, trauma or disease. The Woodlands will match that donation.

“I can’t imagine a parent on the reverse side dealing with a kid going through it. I just can’t. So, just trying to give back and raise awareness and hopefully make this an easier path in people’s lives.” Woodland said.

Woodland will compete this weekend in the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The first round begins Thursday, Feb. 27, and Woodland is slated for a 9:40 a.m. tee time.