Gary Woodland received the PGA Tour courage award in 2025
Texas Children’s Houston Open, final round leaderboard
-21 G Woodland (US); -16 N Hojgaard (Den); -15 J Keefer (US), M W Lee (Aus); -14 S Stevens (US); -13 S Yellamaraju (Can), J Day (Aus), J Knapp (US), C Gotterup (US)
Selected others: -7 S Lowry (Ire), H Hall (Eng); -6 P Waring (Eng); -5 J Smith (Eng); -4 J Parry (Eng); -3 M Wallace (Eng); -2 D Willett (Eng)
Gary Woodland was overcome with emotion after securing his first victory in seven years at the Houston Open.
Woodland underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in September 2023 and disclosed earlier this month his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diagnosed approximately a year prior.
The American golfer, whose last tournament win was the 2019 US Open, triumphed over Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard by five strokes to claim the PGA Tour event in Texas.
Upon sinking his final putt, the 41-year-old Woodland raised his arms and looked heavenward, then embraced his wife, Gabby, as tears streamed down his face.
“We play an individual sport, but I wasn’t alone today,” Woodland stated.
“I have tremendous support behind me—my team, my family. I hope that anyone grappling with challenges can see me and not lose hope; just persevere.”
Woodland concluded at 21 under par, delivering an impressive final round of 67 on the par-70 Memorial Park Golf Course.
“It’s just another day; I need to continue healing and fighting. I’m proud of my performance today,” he added.
“I’m grateful to my family. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them, and there’s no way I could have accomplished this without Gabby.
“It’s been difficult for me, but even more so for her. I love her dearly.”
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Woodland was in tears as he hugged wife Gabby after sealing victory
Woodland held a one-stroke lead overnight after Hojgaard, seeking his first PGA Tour victory, followed up a remarkable eight-under-par 62 on Friday with a seven-under-par 63 on Saturday.
However, the American displayed remarkable composure and command on a masterful front nine, marked by four birdies, to seize a lead he never relinquished.
Hojgaard’s two bogeys and one double bogey, despite two birdies, in his first 10 holes further bolstered Woodland’s chances.
The Dane narrowed the gap to five strokes on the 14th hole—scoring a birdie while Woodland carded a bogey—then to four strokes with another birdie on the 16th.
Yet Woodland matched him with a par on 17 and secured par at the last, while Hojgaard incurred another dropped shot.
Woodland received a warm reception from the gallery down the stretch, culminating in rapturous applause and chants of “Gary, Gary” as he sank his winning putt.
This marks Woodland’s fifth PGA Tour victory and may position him as a contender for the first major of the season at next month’s Masters.
When questioned about his prospects at Augusta, he emphasized the personal and mental hurdles he still faces but added, “My game is better than it’s ever been.”
American Johnny Keefer and Australia’s Min Woo Lee tied for third, one stroke behind Hojgaard, at 15 under par.
Reflecting on his achievement, Woodland stated he was “most proud” of his perseverance and refusal to “give up” on his career during a trying period.
He added, “I tried to slow down and savor the moment because it didn’t seem possible a couple of years ago.”
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