Gary Woodland Opens Up About PTSD Battle at 2026 Masters

As Gary Woodland prepares to tee off at Augusta National this week, the accomplished golfer carries a unique burden alongside his clubs and caddie. The 2019 US Open champion has organized special security arrangements to help him navigate the mental health challenges that have emerged since his life-altering brain surgery.

Woodland disclosed last month that he has been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder following his 2023 operation to remove part of a brain tumor. The condition went undiagnosed for nearly a year before medical professionals identified the source of his increasing anxiety.

The 41-year-old American, competing in his 13th Masters tournament, describes his approach to managing the condition with striking transparency. Visual confirmation of nearby security personnel provides the constant reassurance he needs to remain focused on his game.

"The whole deal for me is its visual," Woodland explained during his pre-tournament media session. "If I can see somebody, then I can remind myself that Im safe constantly." His caddie has become an integral part of this system, helping to identify security positions throughout each round.

The unpredictable nature of PTSD episodes makes tournament golf particularly challenging. Woodland acknowledges that he never knows what might trigger an anxiety attack during competition.

"I dont have control when this thing hits me, and its tough," he admitted. "It can be a fan. It can be a walking scorer. It can be a camera guy running by me, just any startlement from behind me can trigger this pretty quickly."

These challenges make his recent success all the more remarkable. Woodland captured his first victory since becoming a major champion when he won the Houston Open in late March, earning his spot in this years Masters field.

That Houston triumph came after he made the crucial decision to seek support from tournament security. During Fridays second round, Woodland experienced what he described as hypervigilance on the ninth hole, battling intrusive thoughts for the remaining ten holes.

"I talked to tour security that night and I told them what I was going through," Woodland revealed. "Every time I looked up on the weekend, my security team was behind me. Last year I didnt talk to tour security. I fought this on my own. It was awful."

The difference in support made all the difference in his performance and mental state. Woodland credits his willingness to be open about his struggles as a source of unexpected strength.

"Speaking about it and how I feel afterwards made me a lot stronger," he reflected. "I didnt know that releasing this battle was going to make me stronger, and it has done that."

This week at Augusta National, Woodland will be grouped with world number one Scottie Scheffler and Scotlands Robert MacIntyre for the opening two rounds. Despite the added pressure of playing alongside golfs elite in front of larger crowds, Woodland feels better prepared than ever to handle whatever challenges arise.

His journey from silence to advocacy demonstrates how professional athletes can successfully navigate mental health challenges while continuing to compete at the highest level. For Woodland, knowing that help is always within sight has transformed not just his game, but his entire approach to competition.