Gary Woodland sets PGA Tour return target after brain surgery

Former U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland is targeting an imminent return to the PGA Tour after sharing a positive update on his health following brain surgery in September.

The 39-year-old is swinging clubs again, just two months after having a lesion removed.

Woodland recently posted on X: “This journey has been very hard but I’m extremely thankful to be progressing and for the unconditional love and support from everyone.

“You’ve all made this process a little easier for me and my family. Thank you to everyone and I look forward to seeing you all next year.”

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And according to the Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, who spoke to Woodland, the three-time PGA Tour winner is hoping to return to the circuit in the new year.

Lewis said that Woodland is “clear to do all physical activity after surgery to remove a brain tumour two months ago. He added that Woodland’s “energy is a bit low now but he’s expecting that to increase over the next few weeks.”

The news is a welcome update after Woodland told fans about his health development in August and after consulting specialists, the American underwent surgery on September 18.

Following the long procedure, he said ‘the majority’ of the tumour had been removed.

Former players led the well wishes on social media, which flooded in from coaches, pundits and fans.

This journey has been very hard but I’m extremely thankful to be progressing and for the unconditional love and support from everyone. You’ve all made this process a little easier for me and my family. Thank you to everyone and I look forward seeing you all next year. pic.twitter.com/ON16PuDUck

— Gary Woodland (@GaryWoodland) November 13, 2023

Former PGA Championship winner Steve Elkington said: “Hitting balls is the best medicine… great to see you swinging pro.”

Ten-time major champion Annika Sorenstam posted: “Happy to see,” while Colt Knost said: “This makes me very happy! Show some love to GW everyone!”

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Woodland last competed on the PGA Tour at the Wyndham Championship in July, when he finished in a tie for 27th place.

He had not qualified for the FedEx Cup play-offs, as he sat 94th in the season-ending rankings.

The world number 81 played 19 PGA Tour events this year, missing four cuts.