Masters star opens up on brain surgery ordeal that left him with PTSD: 'I thought people wanted to kill me'

Callum Vurley
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:40:05 +0000

Gary Woodland is back at Augusta National this week, but his return to the Masters comes with some extra support in place.

The 2019 US Open champion has been battling post-traumatic stress disorder since undergoing brain tumour surgery in 2023, and he's arranged special security measures to help him cope.

The 41-year-old American met with Augusta's security team ahead of the tournament to map out exactly where guards will be positioned throughout the course.

"Just like on tour, I'll have security with me," Woodland said on Tuesday. "The main deal is they were showing me where security is."

It's a visual thing for Woodland – being able to see security personnel helps remind him he's safe.

His recent triumph at the Houston Open was nothing short of remarkable, but it came with an intense internal battle.

During the final stretch of that tournament, Woodland experienced severe hypervigilance that left him genuinely believing spectators were out to harm him.

"I had a big battle Friday of Houston. I got hypervigilant on the ninth hole and I battled the last 10 holes thinking people were trying to kill me," he revealed.

The victory – his first since lifting the US Open trophy at Pebble Beach seven years ago – saw him finish 21 under par, five shots clear of Nicolai Hojgaard.

But few watching knew just how much he was struggling inside.

Woodland now has a clear mental map of where security staff are stationed on every single hole at Augusta.

His caddie is also in on the plan, ready to offer constant reassurance whenever needed.

"So I have a good idea now where security is on every hole. The big deal for me, my caddie knows too, so he can constantly remind me," Woodland explained.

The triggers can come from anywhere – a fan, a walking scoreboard holder, or a cameraman rushing past.

"I don't have control when this thing hits me, and it's tough," he admitted. "Just any startlement from behind me can trigger this pretty quickly. Knowing where the security is is a constant reminder that I'm safe."

Opening up about his mental health struggles has proven transformative for Woodland.

He first revealed his PTSD diagnosis during The Players Championship in March, just a fortnight before his Houston victory.

"Speaking about it and how I feel afterwards made me a lot stronger," he said. "I didn't know that releasing this battle was going to make me stronger, and it has done that."

The American acknowledged that discussing perceived weaknesses goes against the grain for athletes, but he's found real power in vulnerability.

"I feel a lot stronger now than I did three weeks ago, I can tell you that."

Augusta presents perhaps his toughest test yet, with patrons positioned close to players on the tee boxes.

"There's probably not a safer golf tournament in the world, so I'm happy for that, but it's still a battle in my head if I'm safe or not."