The PGA TOUR has announced that Gary Woodland has been named the recipient of the 2025 PGA TOUR Courage Award, recognising his remarkable perseverance following brain surgery in 2023. Woodland, 40, a four-time PGA TOUR winner and 2019 U.S. Open champion, underwent surgery to remove a brain lesion in September 2023 after experiencing health struggles throughout that season.
Woodland was surprised with the award during an exclusive interview with Michael Strahan on ABC’s “Good Morning America” before formally receiving it during a presentation at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.
The PGA TOUR Courage Award honors individuals who overcome extraordinary adversity to make significant contributions to golf. Established in 2012, the award includes a $25,000 charitable contribution, which Woodland has designated to Champion Charities, an organisation focused on brain tumor, brain disease, and brain trauma research and patient support. Woodland and his wife, Gabby, will match the donation, bringing the total contribution to $50,000.
“Gary’s journey has been well documented and the fact that he has overcome so many challenges associated with his initial diagnosis is nothing short of miraculous,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “We are so proud to honor him with the PGA TOUR Courage Award recognizing his relentless spirit and his willingness to share his story and inspire others.”
Woodland’s Journey
The Topeka, Kansas native first experienced unexplained symptoms in May 2023. Medical testing revealed a brain lesion pressing on the part of his brain controlling fear and anxiety. After unsuccessful medication attempts, Woodland underwent a craniotomy on September 19, 2023. During the extensive surgery, doctors removed most of the tumor, confirmed it was benign, and cut off its blood supply to prevent future growth.
Woodland recovered at home in Delray Beach, Florida, with his wife and three children before returning to competition in January 2024 at the Sony Open in Hawaii. He recorded three top-25 finishes in 26 starts during the 2024 PGA TOUR Season, including a T9 at the Shriners Children’s Open—his first top-10 since his diagnosis.
Currently ranked 73rd in the FedExCup standings, Woodland continues to manage physical, emotional, and mental symptoms while working to return to top form. He is in the final season of eligibility from his 2019 U.S. Open victory and needs either a win or to finish in the top 100 of the final FedExCup Fall standings to secure full status for the 2026 PGA TOUR Season.
Woodland joins previous Courage Award recipients Erik Compton (2013), Jarrod Lyle (2015), Gene Sauers (2017), Morgan Hoffmann (2020), D.J. Gregory (2022), and Chris Kirk (2023).
Fans can learn more about Woodland’s inspiring journey in season three of “Full Swing,” currently streaming on Netflix.
