Golf sensation Gary Woodland has upped his security game at the Masters this year, and here’s why! The former US Open champ revealed he’s been battling PTSD since undergoing brain surgery in 2023. The procedure removed a benign tumour from his amygdala – the part of the brain that handles emotions and fear – but the aftermath hasn’t been easy. Woodland has suffered severe anxiety and panic attacks, especially around big crowds, worrying that people might try to harm him.
At the recent Houston Open, Woodland bagged his first win since the surgery, with personal security by his side for peace of mind. He’s taking the same approach at Augusta. As he shared with the Golf Channel: “If I can see somebody, then I can remind myself that I’m safe.”
Woodland has also been seeking advice from military veterans on coping strategies and remains hopeful that having a security team present will help keep his anxieties at bay. “Knowing that I’m safe, having somebody there with me – that’s the only reason why I won two weeks ago,” he admitted.
Appearing tearful after his Houston victory, Woodland opened up: “We play an individual sport but I wasn’t alone today. I’ve got a lot of people behind me – my team, my family. Anybody that’s struggling, I hope they see me and don’t give up – just keep fighting.”
Watch out for Woodland as he tees off at Augusta alongside Robert MacIntyre and Scottie Scheffler, promising to deliver his best game with the added assurance of security on his side. Keep pushing, Gary! 💪⛳️