Los Angeles— Tiger Woods understands the heartache and fear that comes with a serious health crisis.
Three years ago this month, Woods was injured in a horrible vehicle accident while hosting the Genesis Invitational outside of Los Angeles, which resulted in significant surgery on his right leg. He is still feeling the affects of that every day.
That makes Gary Woodland’s struggle with a brain tumor all the more personal for Woods.
Woodland, the 2019 US Open champion at Pebble Beach, has returned to full health and a normal tour schedule. In a bonus to the start of the year, the 39-year-old from Kansas won a sponsor’s exemption from Woods for this week’s $20 million PGA Tour marquee event at Riviera Country Club.
Woods received multiple requests to enter the field, but Woodland, a buddy, looked like an ideal candidate given the circumstances.
Woods spoke sadly at his press conference on Wednesday, saying, “I believe what Gary has gone through, I don’t think people have given it enough play. I believe we haven’t talked enough about what he’s been through, how terrible life has been for Gary, and how frightening it is that he is frightened of dying at all times, and the worry that comes with that. And to have surgery to remove a tumor from his brain and then return to play on tour is an extraordinary story. I believe we should be proud of him for overcoming so much.
Woodland detailed a terrible trip this season, beginning last April with tremors in his hands and tremendous fear. He continued playing until August, when he was diagnosed with a brain lesion. He had a good surgery in September.
“I just want to prove you can do hard things,” Woodland told the Associated Press in January. “I want to show my children that no one can tell them they are incapable of doing anything. You can overcome difficult, dangerous decisions in your life. Not everything is easy. This came out of nowhere for me, but I am not going to let it deter me.”
Woods, of course, has had to take months off to recover from many leg and back surgeries caused by golf-related wear and tear. The vehicle collision then transported him to previously unknown levels of anxiety and doubt.
Woods extended the invitation to Woodland, taking the experience to the next level. The two are paired with another close friend, Justin Thomas, for the first two rounds of the Genesis. Thursday’s tee time is 9:25 a.m. PT.
Gratitude should be the theme.
“To be able to play with two great friends tomorrow, we’re going to have a fantastic time,” Woods said. “Obviously, we’re going to be needling each other, but it’s a good needling. The fact that we can do it, that he’s here and can conduct the needling, is amazing because it was a scary period when we didn’t know what to expect.”
