PGA Tour star gives fresh health update and shows off new swing after brain surgery

Gary Woodland has shared a positive clip of him on the range. (Image: @GaryWoodland)

Former major winner Gary Woodland has issued a key health update after the PGA Tour star underwent brain surgery 12 months ago.

Woodland went under the knife last September after a lesion was found on his brain earlier that year.

The winner of the 2019 US Open continued to compete after the lesion was discovered, with doctors having ordered him onto seizure medication to help prevent midnight jolts.

But it was the anxiety, fear and constant thoughts about fatality that caused Woodland to undergo surgery and have the lesion removed.

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Back up on his feet with a golf club in his hand, Woodland has reassured golf fans he’s fit, firing and ready to compete for honours again.

Taking to social media to share the positive update, Woodland posted: “One year ago today, I underwent brain surgery that changed my life forever. While it hasn’t been easy, I’m proud of how far I’ve come in that time and eternally grateful for all the love and support.”

The surgery has been life-changing for Woodland. Recalling the issues he had with the lesion early in 2024, the golfer explained: “I was very fear-driven. [It] didn’t matter if I was driving a car, on an aeroplane, I thought everything was going to kill me…

“[After the surgery, they brought a wheelchair to the ICU room and I said, ‘I’m sorry, I walked in this place and I’m walking out. I got out of bed and I walked straight to my car.”

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One year ago today, I underwent brain surgery that changed my life forever. While it hasn’t been easy, I’m proud of how far I’ve come in that time and eternally grateful for all the love and support. pic.twitter.com/Xap7HYtULn

— Gary Woodland (@GaryWoodland) September 18, 2024

Gary Woodland has enjoyed a return to golf after undergoing brain surgery. (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Clearly a man of defiance, Woodland recalled his first venture into the back garden, against the doctor’s orders to resume his golf practice.

“I wasn’t supposed to be outside — I could hide out there — nobody could see me,” he continued. “I could chip in my backyard probably a little quicker than I was supposed to be.”

“Two weeks after surgery I took a little swing into a net in the backyard. Almost fell over, but I hit it.”

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Fast forward to September 2024 and Woodland is back competing on the PGA Tour.

His most recent event at the Fortinet Championship might’ve ended in him being cut, but it’s at least a step in the right direction.

What’s more, videos shared by the American show a slight tweak to his swing. Where previously he’d be slow on the approach, but quicker in his follow-through, Woodland now appears to maintain his swing speed throughout the entire motion.