PGA Tour's Gary Woodland reveals he'll have surgery to remove lesion from brain
Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion from Delray Beach, announced on social media Wednesday he will undergo surgery to remove a lesion found on his brain.
"I wanted to share a recent health development with you," Woodland wrote.
"On Sept. 18th, I'll be having surgery to remove a lesion found on my brain. I was diagnosed a few months ago and have been trying to treat symptoms with medication. After consulting with multiple specialists and discussing with my family, we've made the decision that surgery to remove the lesion is the best course of action.
"I'm in good spirits with my family and team by my side and so thankful for the love and support of everyone."
Woodland, 39, was raised in Topeka, Kansas, and moved to Palm Beach County seven years ago. His greatest achievement since turning pro in 2007 was winning the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, one of his four PGA Tour career wins. He held off Jupiter's Brooks Koepka to win by three shots.
More: Why Gary Woodland chose to stick with PGA Tour over LIV Golf | D'Angelo
Woodland played in 24 PGA Tour events this season, finishing with two top 10s and six times in the top 25. He finished 94th in the FedEx Cup standings. His last event was the Wyndham Championship where he finished tied for 27th. He is ranked No. 73 in the world.
In 2019, he met Amy Bockerstette, a Special Olympic golfer with Down Syndrome, at the WM Phoenix Open. They instantly connected, their friendship went viral and soon they were on the "Today Show." Woodland said Bockerstette's determination while playing the famous par-3 16th hole at the TPC Scottsdale inspired him coming down the stretch at the U.S. Open.
"She's meant everything for me from a mental standpoint," Woodland said that day. "The world needs more of her in it. Her attitude, her love for life, love for the game and her positive energy is so contagious. And I've had the pleasure to continue to speak with her. She sent me a nice video when I got sick and had to pull out of Wells Fargo. She sent me an amazing birthday video, singing 'Happy Birthday' to me. She's a special girl, special parents, and it's nice to call her a friend."
With most PGA Tour pros living in the Jupiter area, Woodland explained why he settled farther south in Palm Beach County.
"I chose down there just because I see these guys every week," he once told The Palm Beach Post. "I don’t want to see them when I’m home. That was really one of the bigger reasons."
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Former U.S. Open winner Gary Woodland will have brain surgery to remove lesion
