The Masters Golf Tournament is one of the most iconic events in the sport. Its past winners include some of the greatest names in the golf world, such as Phil Mickelson, Rory McIIroy, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. However, for one golfer competing in this year's Masters, anxiety is more of an issue than it is for many of his peers. In fact, for Gary Woodland, it's almost overwhelming - and it's not about whether he can sink the next putt.
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Woodland Will Have Additional Security
Per The Daily Mail, he will have "enhanced security" at the event because "crippling mental health struggles left him in fear that fans were trying to kill him." Woodland, who won the U.S. Open seven years ago, underwent surgery in the fall of 2023 for a brain lesion. It "was causing seizures, anxiety and unfounded fears that he was dying," per the outlet.
However, Woodland's anxiety was not alleviated by the procedure. He was eventually diagnosed with PTSD. Security personnel will apparently be somewhat reassuring to him as he navigates the storied golf course in Augusta, Georgia. This year's Masters goes from April 9 to 12.
Security Personnel Can Help Him Feel Safer
Gary Woodland shared this with the outlet. "If I can see [security], then I can remind myself that I'm safe constantly. I don't have control when this thing hits me, and it's tough. It can be a fan...It can be a camera guy running by me, just any startlement from behind me can trigger this pretty quickly... when I'm not on the course, I'm in a battle, and when I'm on the course, I'm in a battle."
He'll still have to grapple with his fears, though. Reining them in while in such a hectic, high-visibility, high-pressure atmosphere won't be easy. Woodland, 41, added, "It's a big week for me this week. The fans are very close on the tee boxes. There's a lot going on. There's probably not a safer golf tournament in the world, so I'm happy for that, but it's still a battle in my head if I'm safe or not. That's a tough pill to swallow."
Woodland Is a Fighter
He has spoken frankly about the challenge of having brain surgery. From his words and tone, it's clear that Gary Woodland is tenacious, persevering, and courageous. All those qualities probably help him with his PTSD as well.
The golfer said, "When I was diagnosed with this brain tumor three years ago, my No 1 thought was: I wasn't going to let this thing win. I've dreamed of being a professional athlete since I was a little kid, and I would do everything in my power to live that dream for my childhood self."
He continued, "Golf has given me something a lot more to fight for than just myself and my family... there's been times where I didn't know if I was going to be able to do it, but I was going to fight and give it everything I had."
He Hopes His Example Inspires Others
Gary Woodland sincerely wishes that people will see him and be motivated to pursue their own aspirations. "I hope somebody that's struggling with something sees this guy out here fighting every day and still living his dreams, and then they want to get up there and fight and live their dream too. I really from the bottom of my heart hope that happens."
