U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland undergoes surgery to remove brain tumor

Former U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland is recovering following brain surgery he underwent earlier this week, according to a message posted Monday night on his social media channels.

“An update on Gary,” the post reads. “After a long surgery today, the majority of the tumor has been removed and he is currently resting. At this time, the family requests space and privacy to be together. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers as he gets started on the road to recovery.” The post was signed “Team GW.”

Previously in August, Woodland announced via social media that doctors had found a lesion on his brain and he would be receiving surgery on Sept. 18 to remove it.

“I was diagnosed a few months ago and have been trying to treat symptoms with medication,” he said in a statement posted to X. “After consulting with multiple specialists and discussing with my family, we’ve made the decision that surgery to remove the lesion is the best course of action.

“I’m in good spirits with my family and team by my side and so thankful for the love and support of everyone,” he wrote in August.

Woodland, 39, has had a long and successful career in pro golf. He’s captured four PGA Tour titles in total, with his most recent also being the most significant: the 2019 U.S. Open.

That year at Pebble Beach, he carried a one-shot lead into the final round and shot a 69 to win by three strokes over Brooks Koepka. Woodland was also a member of the victorious U.S. Presidents Cup team in 2019 following his U.S. Open win.

In 24 starts this past season, Woodland made 18 cuts and earned two top-10 finishes.