Gary Woodland says PTSD is a real battle for him at the Masters this week
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Gary Woodland’s return to Augusta National Golf Club carries even more significance this year after capturing a surprising victory at the Houston Open in March.
This week at Augusta National, Woodland embraced the moment by reflecting on the tradition and importance of the Masters.
“I love it here,” Woodland said Tuesday. “I love tradition. There’s nothing like driving down Magnolia Lane. I’ve definitely gone down a little slower this year than I ever have, even when I first came here in 2011. I’m definitely going to go all in this week.”
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Gary Woodland hits balls at the practice facility during the practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)
But Woodland acknowledged that the crowds and closeness at Augusta National could have been the trigger.
“This week is a big week for me,” he said. “The fans are so close to the course. There’s a lot going on. There’s probably no safer golf tournament in the world, so I’m happy. But it’s still a battle in my mind whether I’m safe or not. That’s a tough pill to swallow.”
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Woodland, who won the 2019 US Open, recently announced that he has been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder for nearly a year. In 2023, he underwent a procedure to remove a benign brain lesion that triggered seizures, anxiety, and fear.
But even after surgery, Woodland’s symptoms persisted, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD.
Gary Woodland emerges from the bunker on the second hole during the practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 6, 2026. (Michael Madrid/Imagn Images)
Woodland, 41, spent part of his week at the Augusta National meeting with security officials.
“The main thing was that they showed me where security was,” Woodland said. “For me it’s all about visuals, right? If I can see someone, then I can constantly remind myself that I’m safe. So now I have a good idea of where safety is on each hole.”
Woodland described experiencing a nervous breakdown near the end of his second round at the Houston Open two weeks ago when he was on high alert.
Gary Woodland tees off on the eighth hole during the final round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open golf tournament on March 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Erik Williams/Imagn Images)
“I fought the last 10 holes thinking people were trying to kill me,” Woodland said. “I have security with me. But I spoke [PGA] That night, I rounded up security and told them what I had experienced. “Every time I looked over the weekend, I saw my security team behind me.”
Victory at last month’s tournament ensured Woodland secured last place in the highly competitive Masters field.
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Months before undergoing surgery in 2023, Woodland finished in a tie for 14th at that year’s Masters. He missed the cut at Augusta National in 2024 and also failed to qualify for last year’s Masters.
“I’m emotional knowing how close I probably came to never coming back here and I’m very proud of myself for earning my way back,” Woodland said. “People ask me, ‘How was the win?’ he asks. All I know is having this brain tumor and having PTSD, it doesn’t matter if I win or lose. You don’t care.”
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