Introduction
In a remarkable display of strength and resilience, former US Open champion Gary Woodland has made a triumphant return to the world of professional golf after undergoing successful brain surgery. Woodland’s journey is an inspiring tale of courage and determination, as he battled through a challenging period of fear and uncertainty. In this article, we will delve into the details of Woodland’s experience, exploring the obstacles he faced and the remarkable recovery that allowed him to return to the sport he loves.
Discovering the Lesion and Facing Fear
In May of last year, Gary Woodland received a devastating diagnosis – a lesion on his brain. This news plunged him into a world of fear and anxiety, as he grappled with the unknown. Woodland described experiencing a loss of appetite and energy, along with jolting awake in the middle of the night and overwhelming feelings of fear. It was a terrifying time for the former US Open champion, who admits that thoughts of death consumed his every day.
Woodland’s symptoms were attributed to partial seizures caused by the lesion on his brain. The location of the lesion, which sat on the part of his brain responsible for fear and anxiety, intensified his feelings of dread. However, the golfer found solace in the words of his doctor, who reassured him that his experiences were common given the circumstances.
“I’m a very optimistic person. I believe good things will happen. I was very fear-driven every day, mostly around death…” – Gary Woodland
Battling Memory Loss and Continuing to Compete
Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Woodland decided to continue playing on the PGA Tour. However, he faced additional hurdles as he grappled with memory loss caused by his medication. There were moments when he would forget which club he was using or struggle to focus on his putts. Despite these obstacles, Woodland’s determination shone through, and he managed to make eight out of ten cuts in the tournaments he participated in while dealing with his symptoms.
“I would be standing over a club and forget which club I’m hitting… I didn’t have the focus or the energy.” – Gary Woodland
Making the Decision and Undergoing Surgery
In August, Woodland made the difficult decision to take a break from professional golf and undergo brain surgery. Although the doctors were unable to remove the entire lesion due to its location, they determined that it was benign. Woodland expressed gratitude for the support he received from the PGA Tour and those outside the golfing world during this challenging time.
“When I woke up and realized I was okay, I was filled with thankfulness and love. That replaced the fear.” – Gary Woodland
The Road to Recovery
Following his surgery, Woodland embarked on a journey of recovery, determined to jump-start his career and prove that he could overcome adversity. With regular MRI scans to monitor the lesion’s progress, Woodland faced moments of nervousness leading up to each check-up. Fortunately, each scan brought positive news, further fueling Woodland’s determination to succeed.
“At the end of the day, I just want to prove you can do hard things. I want to prove to my kids nobody is going to tell you that you can’t do anything… You can overcome tough, scary decisions in your life.” – Gary Woodland
Returning to Golf and Looking Ahead
Woodland’s incredible journey culminated in his return to professional golf at the Sony Open in Hawaii. The golfer expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play the sport he loves once again, emphasizing his belief that great things lie ahead. Woodland’s experience serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination, inspiring others to face their fears head-on and pursue their passions.
“At the end of the day, I’m here because I believe this is what I’ve been born to do, play great golf… I want to do that again. Nothing is going to stop me… I believe that. I believe a lot of great things are ahead.” – Gary Woodland
