Gary Woodland has taken a big step in his recovery from brain surgery.
Woodland, 39, posted a slow-motion video to X on Monday of him hitting a wedge shot from a mat. It’s among the first swings that Woodland has taken since undergoing an extensive surgery on Sept. 18 to remove a lesion from his brain.
“This journey has been very hard but I’m extremely thankful to be progressing and for the unconditional love and support from everyone,” Woodland wrote along with the video. “You’ve all made this process a little easier for me and my family. Thank you to everyone and I look forward seeing you all next year.”
This journey has been very hard but I’m extremely thankful to be progressing and for the unconditional love and support from everyone. You’ve all made this process a little easier for me and my family. Thank you to everyone and I look forward seeing you all next year. pic.twitter.com/ON16PuDUck
— Gary Woodland (@GaryWoodland) November 13, 2023
In a Tuesday X post on the Kansas men’s golf account, Woodland told a KU reporter that he is hopeful to return to PGA Tour competition in January.
“Some doctors think that’s optimistic, but I’m very optimistic about myself, my team around me and my recovery,” Woodland said.
An update from a healthy @GaryWoodland
— Kansas Men's Golf (@KUMensGolf) November 15, 2023
It's so good to see him supporting @KUHoops tonight in Chicago!#RockChalk | @KUAthletics pic.twitter.com/kRMuDmC3kD
Woodland hasn’t competed since the Wyndham Championship in August, just days before he was diagnosed with the brain lesion. In his interview, Woodland thanked the quick reaction from Kansas University medical staff in helping him get his health problem diagnosed and treated.
(Article updated at 11: 54 a.m., August. 15.)