Gary Woodland, a four-time PGA Tour champion, is making headlines for more than golf. After overcoming a life-threatening brain tumor, the 41-year-old made a powerful return to the course. In recognition of his resilience and achievements, Kansas University honored him with a rare award, leaving Woodland speechless.

The standout Kansas Uni golfer experienced a full-circle moment this week, just days before the heated showdown at Bethpage. Woodland became a KU Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, announced by the KU on Instagram. This moment served as a celebration of not only his standout golf pedigree or athletic prowess. Instead, it underscored Woodland’s resilience and perseverance, traits that helped him battle one of the darkest chapters of his life. Moreover, it highlighted the profound impact the KU has had on the Kansas legend. Woodland’s heartfelt reaction reflects his true character and humility.

Woodland posted: “It’s hard to put into words how much it meant to me to get inducted into the KU Hall of Fame today. The University of Kansas has been a cornerstone of my life and I couldn’t be more honored. Rock Chalk.” Woodland developed his game at KU, rising from the ranks of a distinguished collegiate golfer to a major-winning pro. No wonder, for Woodland, being inducted into the KU Hall of Fame symbolizes a milestone beyond measure. It marks a moment of recognition from the foundation that propelled his career. This feat reflects how passion can help you battle adversities and come back even stronger.

The Ryder Cup vice-captain’s story of brain tumor battle throws light on just that. In 2023, doctors discovered a fatal lesion pressing onto the part of his brain that controls anxiety. After several months of anxiety, tremors, and seizures, the life-altering MRI scan took place. Despite medications, Woodland’s conditions kept worsening, leading to a craniotomy on September 18, 2023. The surgery carried significant risks of paralysis and impaired vision. Coupled with the anxiety from the growing lesion in Woodland’s emotional centres, the golfer admitted experiencing a fear of death and severe distress during this time.

“This has been the hardest year of my life by far – but I fought through it. There were a lot of times when I didn’t know if it was going to get better, because every day was horrible,” Woodland admitted. The KU Hall of Famer even wrote farewell letters to his family and friends, fearing he might not survive the operation. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, and the tumor was declared benign. However, Woodland returned to the greens with some challenging limitations. Through it all, his family acted as a mental crutch that Woodland held onto during his torturous moments.

However, returning to the courses, Woodland proved exactly what makes him count among the elites. In 2024, the PGA Tour pro carded 3 top-25 finishes in 26 starts, including a notable 9th at the Shriners Children’s Open. In 2025, he continued the run with a runner-up at the Texas Children’s Houston Open. Meanwhile, alongside his game, the tumor battle affected him mentally as well. Fighting the lesion with a show of strength and class, Woodland revealed the clarity he had returning to the greens.

“As an athlete, you never take time to reflect – and I’ve had time to reflect. I’m so proud of myself.” This remark brings forward the immense personal growth the tumor battles brought. It highlights how overcoming adversity allowed him to appreciate his achievements both on and off the golf course. Now, making his way to Bethpage, Woodland is ready to bring the same mental attitude to the leadership of Team US.

Gary Woodland’s role in the Ryder Cup

Gary Woodland received the 2025 PGA Tour Courage Award for his resilient comeback after brain surgery. That same courage is what also brought him his first Ryder Cup role. Being one of the five vice-captains, alongside Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson, and Brandt Snedeker, the Kansas legend is a valuable addition to the leadership team of the US. Woodland is a major champion who continues to compete at the highest levels despite a critical brain surgery. That provides him the right mix of experience, mental strength, and technical mastery to make important decisions for the team. Captain Keegan Bradley acknowledged those traits of Woodland, welcoming him to the captains’ board.

“I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for Gary and all he has accomplished in this game,” Bradley remarked. “As a major champion and someone who is still competing at a high level, he is well aware of the demands of performing on golf’s biggest stages.” That is exactly what Bradley admires in Woodland, and what makes him a valuable vice-captain at Bethpage.

Woodland has expressed his gratitude, too. Reflecting on his first Ryder Cup role, he added, “I am extremely excited and grateful to Keegan for the opportunity to support the U.S. Team at the 2025 Ryder Cup.” Gary Woodland’s journey from major champion to brain surgery survivor and now Ryder Cup vice captain highlights his resilience on and off the course. Moreover, it throws light on the inspiring leadership he brings to Team USA. With the recent Hall of Famer recognition, it appears the Kansas legend is hot on his heels for Bethpage.