Golfer Gary Woodland's return to Augusta National for the Masters Tournament is marked by an ongoing personal battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, manifesting as profound fears for his safety in public settings, despite the meticulously controlled environment of the elite sporting event. Woodland, 41, acknowledged that even at Augusta National, "it's still a battle in my head if I'm safe or not. That's a tough pill to swallow."
Woodland participated in a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 7, 2026, hitting balls at the practice facility. The day prior, on April 6, 2026, he was observed hitting out of a bunker on the second hole during another practice round. His presence follows a surprising victory at the Houston Open in March 2026, which secured his last-minute entry into the Masters field.
The Unseen Battle for Public Safety
Woodland described the crowds and close quarters at Augusta National as potentially triggering for his condition. He noted, "The fans are very close on the tee boxes. There's a lot going on." Despite this, he stated that Augusta National is "probably not a safer golf tournament in the world," creating a stark contrast between the perceived safety of the venue and his internal struggle.
His battle with post-traumatic stress disorder has lasted for roughly a year, following a procedure in 2023 to remove a benign brain lesion. This lesion triggered seizures, anxiety, and fear, symptoms that persisted even after the surgery, leading to his PTSD diagnosis. Woodland's personal account reveals a deep-seated anxiety about public interaction.
Elite Institutions and Security Measures
During his time at Augusta National this week, Woodland met with security officials. He explained the purpose of these meetings, stating, "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." He confirmed that he now possesses "a good idea now where security is on every hole."
This need for visible security follows a tense experience at the Houston Open two weeks prior. Woodland recounted, "I battled the last 10 holes thinking people were trying to kill me." Following this incident, he immediately contacted PGA Tour security, informing them of his distress. He noted that in response, "Every time I looked up on the weekend, my security team was behind me."
A National Figure's Personal Toll
Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, expressed deep emotion about his return to Augusta National. He stated, "I'm emotional from the standpoint I know how close I probably was to never being back here, and I'm very proud of myself for earning my way back." He also offered a stark perspective on his health challenges, saying, "People ask me, 'How was the win?' The one thing I know is having this brain tumor and having PTSD, it doesn't matter if win or lose. It doesn't care."
His history at the Masters includes finishing tied for 14th in 2023, missing the cut in 2024, and failing to qualify for the tournament in 2025. Woodland expressed his enduring appreciation for the venue, stating, "I love this place," and adding, "I love the tradition. There’s nothing like driving down Magnolia Lane." He noted that he drove "a little slower this year than I ever have," emphasizing his intention to fully absorb the experience.