Gary Woodland, winner of the US Open in 2019, has been awarded with the prestigious Courage Award 2025 by the PGA Tour, in recognition of his inspiring and remarkable journey to return to competitive golf after brain surgery. Woodland’s emotional acceptance of the honor took place before the Cognizant Classic.
Woodland, a PGA Tour four-time winner, dedicated this award to his family’s unwavering love, his dedicated team of support, and the supportive colleagues. His story was a source of inspiration for anyone facing similar health issues. Woodland said to media, “This is a testimony for the people I’m surrounded by.” It means everything to me that I receive this award, it belongs to those around me.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan praised Gary Woodland for his resilience, and the impact that his return had on the organization. Monahan said that Gary Woodland was a source of inspiration for everyone. He’s an inspirational figure to his friends, family and colleagues, as well as to the organizations and people impacted by Folds of Honor.
Gary Woodland, in 2023 underwent an important brain surgery for the removal of a lesion which had caused debilitating symptoms earlier that year. Woodland was able, four months after the successful surgery, to return to the PGA Tour, competing in the Hawaii Sony Open of 2024. The strength of his return is a testament to the family’s support.
“Seeing my kids…I couldn’t give up.”
Gary Woodland, Courage Award Winner and TOUR competitor who battled a brain lesion in the midst of competing will forever leave an impression on your heart. pic.twitter.com/qbVyNn2JHD
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 26, 2025
In the year 2024, Woodland’s performance steadily improved. In the second half of the golf season, after failing to make the cut earlier in the calendar year, his skill and determination were on display with two finishes among the top 25.
Gary Woodland is already a four-time winner of tournaments in 2025. He has experienced some missed cuts but has also achieved three top-25 finishes. His best finish so far was a tie 16th in the Sony Open Hawaii.
The PGA Tour Courage Award was established in 2012. is presented to individuals who display extraordinary courage In overcoming major obstacles. Gary Woodland joins the distinguished list of awardees, which includes Erik Compton and Gene Sauers. Chris Kirk is also a recipient, as are Jarrod Lyle (the late), D.J. Gregory.
Gary Woodland chose to generously donate $25,000 from the PGA Tour in connection with this award to Champion Charities. This donation further demonstrates his dedication to charitable giving.
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