Gary Woodland hopes to prove an inspiration after scoring an emotion-charged Houston Open triumph as Australia’s golf aces found some timely pre-Masters form.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Two and a half years after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor, Woodland soaked in a special five-shot victory after closing with a cruisy three-under-par 67 at Memorial Golf Club.<\/p>\n
Never threatened, the American reached 21 under for the championship to comfortably hold off Dane Nicolai Hojgaard, who could only manage a Sunday one-over 71.<\/p>\n
Defending champion Min Woo Lee (67) tied for third, six shots behind Woodland, with fast-finishing American Johnny Keefer (64), while Sam Stevens (68) was outright fifth at 14 under.<\/p>\n
In a welcome confidence booster two weeks out from the Masters, Lee’s fellow Australian Jason Day (68) was joint sixth at 13 under.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But the spoils, including the $US1.78 million winner’s cheque and a ticket to the Masters, belonged to Woodland, the 41-year-old 2019 US Open champion who added a most improbable fifth PGA Tour title to his CV with his first victory in almost seven years.<\/p>\n
After doctors removed a tumor that was pushing on the part of his brain controlling fear and anxiety, Woodland revealed recently he still suffered from severe PTSD, including panic attacks and fear.<\/p>\n
Asked what he was most proud of after completing what seemed unimaginable two years ago, Woodland said “that I didn’t give up” while choking back tears.<\/p>\n
“You know, golf’s like a lot like life. It’s not easy, you hit bad shots and you hit bumps in the road in life. You just got to keep fighting and I’m proud that I did that.<\/p>\n
“We play an individual sport but I wasn’t alone today.”<\/p>\n
An emotional Gary Woodland reflects on his win only a few years removed from brain surgery. pic.twitter.com\/jflXsA3AcR<\/a><\/p>\n