Woodland Wins! 6 Years Later, He’s Back on Tour

Woodland Claims PGA Tour Title After Six-Year Wait

Gary Woodland is back in the winner’s circle. The five-time PGA Tour champion captured his latest victory, ending a drought that stretched over six years. His last win came at the 2019 U.S. Open, a remarkable performance that now feels like a distant memory. This latest triumph isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a powerful story of resilience and a testament to his enduring love for the game.

Battling the Inner Game

As Woodland approached the final 18 holes, the pressure was immense. He openly admitted the biggest battle was within his own mind. “I just kept telling myself, I’ve been here before and I’ve done it,” Woodland shared. It’s a mantra that clearly served him well. To manage the intense emotions, he focused on staying present and slowing his heart rate. He even walked a little slower to maintain control of his thoughts, taking extra deep breaths to stay calm.

“I played beautifully and I got a lot of confidence the way I played last week, and it carried over this week,” Woodland explained. The support from the fans also played a significant role. “The fans were amazing this week. I couldn’t be happier and proud to be sitting where I am right now.” The journey back to this moment has been long and challenging, but Woodland’s spirit remains unbroken.

A Long Road, A Resounding Victory

The wait since his last PGA Tour win was a significant 6 years, 9 months, and 13 days. Standing on the 18th tee, or over that final putt, the emotions must have been overwhelming. “I was just trying to slow down. I’ve been out here a long time. I know it’s not over until that putt goes in,” he said. When the ball finally dropped, years of hard work and perseverance poured out.

“This has been a long road for me. It’s been a battle. I’m still in a fight, but I got a lot of fight in me.”

Woodland acknowledged the immense support system that helped him through. “I got a lot of love and support and family and team around me. The golf world, the tour, the fans, they’ve been amazing,” he stated. He emphasized that he didn’t face this challenge alone, feeling the strength of that support with him on the course.

Hope Through Golf

Woodland’s journey has been public and inspiring, especially after revealing his struggles with PTSD and undergoing brain surgery. His willingness to share his vulnerability has resonated deeply with fans and fellow athletes. “Golf’s given me hope, right? I dreamed since I was a little kid of being a professional athlete,” Woodland reflected.

The diagnosis of a brain tumor over three years ago presented a daunting obstacle. Yet, Woodland’s resolve never wavered. “The one thing I kept telling myself was I wasn’t going to let this thing win. And I was going to fight it to live my dream,” he declared. He credits his support network for helping him through the difficult times, admitting, “I couldn’t do this on my own.”

Record-Breaking Performance and Masters Bound

For many, just seeing Woodland back competing on tour was a victory. However, his ambitions were always higher. This win, his largest ever on the PGA Tour, came with a new tournament scoring record. With this commanding performance, he also secures his spot at the Masters for the first time in two years.

Physically, Woodland feels his game is in a better place than ever. “Physically, my game’s more complete than it’s ever been,” he confirmed. He credits extensive work with his coach, Randy Smith, over the past year and a half. “I just needed confidence, and I gained some of that last week when I started to see some shots,” he explained. That confidence propelled him forward this week, and he’s now “riding that high” heading to Augusta.

Looking Ahead

The golf world eagerly anticipates seeing Woodland compete at Augusta National. His return to the winner’s circle is a powerful reminder of the beauty of perseverance and the rewards of unwavering dedication. As he looks forward to the Masters, Gary Woodland is not just a competitor; he’s an inspiration.

Source: Gary Woodland reflects on his road back to winning on the PGA Tour | SportsCenter (YouTube)