Houston, TX, March 30, 2026
Gary Woodland celebrated his first PGA Tour victory since 2019 at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, outperforming the competition with a final score of 21-under-par. His win comes after overcoming significant personal challenges, including a brain surgery and PTSD. Woodland’s exceptional performance at Memorial Park Golf Course has not only secured him this prestigious title but also a spot at the upcoming Masters Tournament. This victory marks a significant milestone in his career, reigniting interest in his journey as a golfer.
Houston, TX – Gary Woodland Triumphs at Texas Children’s Houston Open
Gary Woodland secured his first PGA Tour victory since 2019 by winning the Texas Children’s Houston Open on March 29, 2026. The 41-year-old golfer finished with a 21-under-par total of 259, five strokes ahead of Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard.
Final Round Performance
Woodland closed the tournament with a 3-under-par 67 at Memorial Park Golf Course. Despite a narrow one-shot lead entering the final round, he extended his advantage to seven strokes before finishing with a comfortable margin. This victory marks his first professional win since the 2019 U.S. Open.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
In 2023, Woodland underwent brain surgery to remove a benign tumor. He has since been open about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the experience. His triumph at the Houston Open serves as an inspiring testament to his resilience and determination.
Career Highlights
Woodland’s career includes notable achievements such as winning the 2019 U.S. Open and the 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open. His victory at the Houston Open adds to his impressive record and underscores his enduring talent in the sport.
Looking Ahead
This win qualifies Woodland for the upcoming Masters Tournament at Augusta National, providing him with an opportunity to compete among golf’s elite once again. His performance at the Houston Open has reignited interest in his career, and fans eagerly anticipate his participation in future tournaments.
About the Texas Children’s Houston Open
The Texas Children’s Houston Open is a professional golf tournament held annually at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas. As part of the PGA Tour, it attracts top golfers from around the world and serves as a key event in the lead-up to major championships.
Weather Conditions
During the tournament, Houston experienced mild weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from a low of 16.6°C to a high of 27.5°C. These favorable conditions contributed to the players’ performances throughout the event.
Prize Money and Payouts
The total purse for the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open was $9.9 million, with the winner’s share amounting to $1,782,000. This substantial prize reflects the tournament’s significance within the PGA Tour and the competitive nature of the field.
Notable Withdrawals
Prior to the tournament, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler withdrew due to family reasons, specifically the imminent birth of his second child. Additionally, Pierceson Coody withdrew from the event due to a back injury, impacting his chances of qualifying for The Masters.
Conclusion
Gary Woodland’s victory at the Texas Children’s Houston Open is a remarkable achievement, highlighting his resilience and skill. This win not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also serves as an inspiration to many facing personal challenges. As he prepares for the upcoming Masters Tournament, expectations are high for his continued success on the PGA Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Gary Woodland?
Gary Woodland is a professional golfer from Topeka, Kansas, known for his victory at the 2019 U.S. Open and his recent win at the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open.
What challenges did Gary Woodland overcome?
Woodland underwent brain surgery in 2023 to remove a benign tumor and has been open about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the experience.
What is the Texas Children’s Houston Open?
The Texas Children’s Houston Open is an annual professional golf tournament held at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas, as part of the PGA Tour.
What is the prize money for the Texas Children’s Houston Open?
The total purse for the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open was $9.9 million, with the winner’s share amounting to $1,782,000.
Who withdrew from the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open?
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler withdrew due to family reasons, and Pierceson Coody withdrew due to a back injury.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victory Date | March 29, 2026 |
| Winning Score | 21-under-par 259 |
| Margin of Victory | 5 strokes |
| Final Round Score | 3-under-par 67 |
| Course | Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, TX |
| Prize Money | $1,782,000 |
| Notable Opponent | Nicolai Højgaard |
| Personal Challenge Overcome | Brain surgery and PTSD |
| Next Tournament | The Masters Tournament at Augusta National |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Gary Woodland Leads Texas Children’s Houston Open
Gary Woodland Wins Texas Children’s Houston Open
Gary Woodland Wins Texas Children’s Houston Open
Gary Woodland Wins Texas Children’s Houston Open
Gary Woodland Takes Lead at Houston Open Amidst Mental Health Challenges
2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open Prize Money Breakdown
Ryan Gerard and Keith Mitchell Lead Texas Children’s Houston Open
2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open Announces Key Details
Texas Children’s Houston Open Set for 2026
Expert Picks for the Texas Children’s Houston Open
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
