Gary Woodland returns to the Masters grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder following brain tumor surgery near his amygdala, the brain region controlling fear and anxiety.
The 41-year-old golfer, who won the 2019 U.S. Open, recently claimed victory at the Texas Children's Houston Open - his first win since the 2024 surgery. Despite the triumph, Woodland struggled with hypervigilance during competition.
"I got hypervigilant on the ninth hole, and I battled the last 10 holes thinking people were trying to kill me," Woodland explained before his Masters return.
The PGA Tour arranged security coordination with Augusta National, ensuring protection throughout each hole. Woodland's caddie also knows security positions to provide constant safety reminders.
"It's visual, right? If I can see somebody, then I can remind myself that I'm safe constantly," he said.
The condition triggers regardless of whether competitors or fans cause sudden movements. Woodland emphasized the importance of seeking help rather than fighting mental health battles alone, particularly for male athletes conditioned to endure adversity silently.
His 13th Masters appearance carries special significance given his proximity to never returning after the medical crisis.