Gary Woodland will take a one‑shot lead over Nicolai Hojgaard into the final round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open after a composed five‑under 65 moved him to 18 under.
The American is chasing his first victory since the 2019 US Open and has become one of the most admired figures in golf as he continues his recovery from brain surgery in September 2023.
Earlier this month, he spoke openly about battling post‑traumatic stress disorder, describing the emotional toll and the relief of finally sharing his struggles.
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On the course, Woodland’s game looks revitalised. A change in iron shafts has helped him regain control as his speed returns, and he has shown full command of his swing throughout the week.
He was particularly sharp down the stretch on Saturday, drilling a two‑iron over water to reach the par‑five 16th in two for a birdie, then nearly driving the green at the short par‑four 17th to set up another.
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Gary Woodland leads the Texas Children’s Houston Open by one stroke heading into Sunday’s final round
Hojgaard matched him shot for shot, posting a 63 after a 62 on Friday.
The 25‑year‑old Dane has piled up 15 birdies and an eagle over the last two rounds and remains firmly in contention as he seeks his first PGA Tour win. Already No 47 in the world, he is virtually assured of a Masters berth unless an unlikely scenario unfolds.
Defending champion Min Woo Lee (67) and Michael Thorbjornsen (66) sit five shots back. For Thorbjornsen, currently No 56, Sunday carries enormous stakes: a top‑eight finish could secure his first Masters invitation.
Woodland, meanwhile, would need a victory to return to Augusta, though that goal remains secondary to the personal journey he has endured.
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Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard sits one shot off the lead
His surgery removed part of a lesion that had triggered overwhelming fear and anxiety, and he has described moments of breaking down mid‑round or hiding in bathrooms. Sharing his story, he said, made him feel “1,000 pounds lighter”.
Now his focus is on closing out a win at Memorial Park, where he finished runner‑up last year. He leads the field in approach play and ranks second in putting with the help of a slightly adjusted putter.
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Hojgaard, a 2023 Ryder Cup rookie with three DP World Tour titles, expects a battle to the end, saying he plans to “stay in the fight” as the final round unfolds.
Watch the final round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open live on Sky Sports Golf from 1.15pm on Sunday. There is also coverage on Sky Sports Main Event from 8.15pm.