Washington (United States) (AFP) – Gary Woodland, who weeks ago spoke about stress issues in the wake of 2023 brain surgery, won for the first time since the 2019 US Open by capturing the PGA Houston Open on Sunday. The 41-year-old American fired a three-under par 67 in Sunday’s final round at Memorial Park to finish 72 holes on a tournament record 21-under 259 and defeat Dane Nicolai Hojgaard by five strokes.
A tearful Woodland had disclosed earlier this month that he still fights post-traumatic stress disorder following 2023 surgery to remove a brain tumor. Just weeks later, Woodland took his first victory in seven years after admitting he has wanted to walk off golf courses numerous times during his struggle to find lost form. “Anybody that’s struggling with something, I hope they see me and don’t give up, just keep fighting,” Woodland said as he wiped away tears on the 18th green moments after completing the long-sought victory.
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Spectators chanted his name while Woodland waited to make his final shots on the 18th green, then erupted in cheers as he tapped in for the triumph then looked up and exhaled, then tearfully embraced his wife, Gabby. “There’s no chance I could do this without Gabby for sure,” Woodland said. “This has been hard on me, and a lot harder on her and I love her to death. We play an individual sport out here but I wasn’t alone today. I’ve got a lot of people behind me, my team, my family and this golf world.”
Even in his moment of triumph, Woodland realized his battle with his own emotions is far from over. “It’s just another day that I’ve got to keep healing. Today was a good day but I’m going to keep fighting,” he said. “I’ve got a big fight ahead of me and I’m going to keep going — but I’m proud of myself right now.” With the victory, Woodland booked himself a spot in the Masters next month at Augusta National, where his best finish was a share of 14th in 2023.
“My game is better than it has ever been,” Woodland said. “I’ve got to battle some stuff with that but my game is (fine).” Woodland, leading after 54 holes for the first time since his US Open victory at Pebble Beach, grabbed his fifth career title, a run that also includes the 2011 Transitions Championship, the 2013 Reno-Tahoe Open, and 2018 Phoenix Open. World number 139 Woodland, a Houston runner-up last year, became the seventh player age 40 or older to win the Houston title.
Defending champion Min Woo Lee of Australia shared third on 265 with American Johnny Keefer. Woodland sank a 10-foot birdie putt at the fifth hole and closed out the front nine with three birdies in a row — a putt from just inside 25 feet at the par-three seventh, a tap-in after landing his approach inches from the hole at the par-five eighth, and a 29-foot putt at the par-three ninth. Woodland missed a six-foot par putt at the 14th but the stumble made no difference at the end.
“I’m just so pleased for Gary playing so well,” Australian Adam Scott said. “It’s inspirational.”
– Aces for Scott, Lowry – Scott, the 2013 Masters winner, aced the 189-yard par-three 11th hole on his way to shooting 71 and finishing on 272. “It was a little into the wind, and the wind was tricky for me,” Scott said. “Kind of back-footed an 8-iron and it just drew in there perfect.”
Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who fired a 68 to finish on 273, aced the 170-yard par-three second hole. “I have a little cut 75 7-iron that I hit and it just come out perfect,” Lowry said. “Just hit a beautiful shot.”
© 2024 AFP
