Gary Woodland competing in first Masters since brain surgery after lesion diagnosis

Some Masters stories — like Gary Woodland's — are bigger than just golf.

Woodland, 39, who was diagnosed with a lesion on his brain, which led to seizures and heightened anxiety, is competing in his first Masters since having brain surgery.

"It's emotional to be back," Woodland said. "It was the goal to set to get back and to have the game ready at this time. Obviously, I came back a couple of months ago. But that was a process. But we wanted the game ready for this week and the game's in a pretty good spot."

During the surgery in September, doctors cut a large hole in the side of his head that required 30 staples to close, according to AP News.

Woodland's first tournament after surgery came in January, but missed three consecutive cuts before he made the cut at the Genesis Invitational in February.

Gary Woodland's return to Augusta starts with hole-in-one

On Wednesday, Woodland's return to Augusta National got started with a bright spot, as he notched a hole-in-one during the Par 3 contest. It was the first Par 3 Contest ace of his career.

“This is my 12th time playing the Par 3. I've had some close calls. It was nice to see one go in,” he said. “Nice to see my kids' reaction. They were so excited. I will say, my son making the putt on the last was more exciting for me than that ball going in.”

Woodland has played in the Masters 12 times, with his best finish (T-14) coming in 2023.

Woodland admits that fatigue from the recovery and medication affects his endurance on-course.

"We're adjusting with the meds, but it's getting better," Woodland said. "That will be an adjustment for a while. Understanding that, learning to play through that, learning what my body can and can't do when it gets tired, that's been a big adjustment."

Woodland tees off Thursday at 11:18 a.m. alongside Thorbjorn Olesen and Bryson DeChambeau.

USA TODAY Network reporters Tom D'Angelo and Will Cheney contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Gary Woodland competing in first Masters since brain surgery