Gary Woodland returns to TOUR Championship after brain surgery

Professional golfer Gary Woodland is returning to the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, marking his first appearance in the 30-man tournament since his 2019 US Open victory. His return follows a significant health battle, including a September 2023 brain surgery to remove a lesion.

Woodland has been open about his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from his illness and surgery. He has described experiencing anxiety and intense periods of emotional distress. Despite these challenges, he has seen a resurgence in form, including a victory at the Texas Children's Houston Open and a fourth-place finish at the BMW Championship, which secured his position in the top 30 of the FedEx Cup standings.

Woodland expressed that his perspective on life has shifted, stating he now feels a responsibility to fight for others facing similar struggles. His journey has garnered significant respect and support from within the professional golf community.