Major winner Gary Woodland has security guards at | Golf News

If you notice extra security personnel accompanying Gary Woodland at the Masters, there’s a compelling rationalization.

The 2019 U.S. Open champion is grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following mind tumor surgical procedure in 2023, and he has courageously mentioned the obstacles he encounters both on and off the course.

Woodland authored one of sports activities’ most outstanding comeback narratives two weeks in the past when he captured the Texas Children’s Houston Open on the PGA Tour to earn a spot at the Masters. Despite dealing with such difficulties, the 41-year-old is performing at peak type.

As he approached his emotional triumph in Houston, his main problem was managing his mental state slightly than competing against fellow gamers. Woodland experiences heightened alertness and may be considerably disturbed by sudden actions in his neighborhood.

To his immense credit, he efficiently managed his anxieties during competitors and pressed ahead to secure his first win since his U.S. Open victory at Pebble Beach seven years in the past.

Augusta National maintains strict protocols, and incidents of spectators changing into disruptive are unusual, but Woodland says observing security personnel close by helps ease his considerations.

“Just like on tour, I’ll have security with me,” he said. “The main deal is they were showing me where security is. The whole deal for me is it’s visual, right? If I can see somebody, then I can remind myself that I’m safe constantly.

“So I’ve a good thought now where security is on every gap. The big deal for me, my caddie is aware of too. So he can always remind me.

“Like I said, I don’t have control when this thing hits me, and it’s tough. It can be a fan. It can be a walking score. It can be a camera guy running by me, just any startlement from behind me can trigger this pretty quickly. Knowing where the security is is a constant reminder that I’m safe.”

Woodland courageously disclosed his PTSD diagnosis in March, merely two weeks prior to his triumph in Houston. While the victory introduced immense satisfaction, he continues to wage a relentless mental wrestle each day.

“I know what I’m battling every day. People ask me, ‘How was the win?’ The one thing I know is that having this brain tumor and having PTSD, it doesn’t matter if I win or lose. It doesn’t care,” he said. “I had a tough time last week battling this stuff. A lot of stimulation comes with winning, stuff I hadn’t seen in a long time.

“It’s a big week for me this week. The followers are very close on the tee containers. There’s a lot going on. There’s most likely not a safer golf event in the world, so I’m comfortable for that, but it is still a battle in my head if I’m secure or not. That’s a powerful capsule to swallow.

“I’m emotional from the standpoint that I know how close I probably was to never being back here, and I’m very proud of myself for earning my way back.”