Gary Woodland Returns to The Masters Amid PTSD Battle

Gary Woodland is competing in the 2026 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club while managing a severe battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The 41-year-old golfer, a former U.S. Open champion from 2019, secured his place in the tournament following a victory at the Texas Children’s Houston Open in March 2026.

Woodland’s struggles began with a medical crisis in September 2023, when he underwent surgery to remove a benign lesion from his brain. According to reporting from ESPN, the lesion had been causing seizures as well as feelings of anxiety and fear. Despite the surgical intervention, Woodland continued to experience symptoms, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD in early March 2026.

Mental Health Challenges on the Course

The psychological impact of the disorder has manifested in terrifying ways during competition. Woodland revealed that during the Friday round of the Houston Open in March 2026, he spent approximately half of his play thinking people were trying to kill him while on the course, as detailed by Yahoo Sports.

These episodes are often triggered by high-stimulation environments. Woodland noted that the excitement and attention surrounding his five-shot victory at the Houston Open—his first win since his health complications began—presented its own set of challenges. On April 7, 2026, Woodland explained that the condition persists regardless of professional success.

People ask me, ‘How was the win?’ The one thing I know is having this brain tumor and having PTSD, it doesn’t matter if I win or lose. It doesn’t care.

Gary Woodland

Navigating Augusta National

The layout and atmosphere of Augusta National present specific triggers for Woodland. The proximity of patrons to the tee boxes and greens, combined with the size of the galleries, can exacerbate his anxiety. He described the experience of the tournament as a battle in my head if I’m safe or not during an interview on April 7, 2026.

Woodland has identified that his triggers are primarily visual. He struggles particularly when individuals, such as camera operators or scoreboard walkers, unexpectedly approach him from behind. To mitigate these risks, Woodland and his team coordinated with security officials at Augusta National prior to the tournament.

The strategy involves identifying the physical locations of security personnel on every hole. By maintaining a visual line of sight with security, Woodland can constantly remind himself that he is in a safe environment.

A Return to Tradition

Despite the mental health hurdles, Woodland expressed a deep appreciation for the prestige of the Masters. On April 7, 2026, he mentioned his love for the tradition of the club and the experience of driving down Magnolia Lane. He noted that he drove down the lane more slowly during his 2026 arrival than he ever had during previous visits, including his first appearance in 2011, in an effort to fully absorb the experience.

Woodland’s presence at the tournament has been noted by other competitors. AP News reported that world number one Scottie Scheffler was seen speaking with Woodland on the practice tee on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The golfer’s return to the Masters is seen as a significant milestone in his recovery process, as he balances the demands of elite professional golf with the ongoing management of a debilitating mental health condition.