In a remarkable comeback, PGA Tour golfer Gary Woodland is ready to return to competitive golf just four months after undergoing brain surgery to remove tumors. The news was first reported by Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis during a live report from The Sentry, the 2024 season opener on Maui.
Woodland Defies Odds and Enters Sony Open Field
Despite missing the cut at the 2023 Sony Open, this year’s tournament holds greater significance for Gary Woodland. The four-time Tour winner last competed in the Wyndham Championship in August 2023, finishing tied for 27th.
Woodland had been attempting to manage his symptoms with medication until he consulted with specialists and his family. It was then that he made the courageous decision to undergo surgery. Reflecting his unwavering dedication to the sport, the University of Kansas, where Woodland played college golf, even renamed its facilities in his honor shortly after the surgery.
With the new year upon us, Woodland is eager to make his comeback at the Sony Open, joining 144 other golfers for the first full-field event of the season. This marks a triumphant return for Woodland, who expressed his excitement by posting a video of himself hitting practice balls in November, concluding with the heartwarming message, “I look forward to seeing you all next year.”
Full-Field List and Other Notable Entries
Alongside Gary Woodland, another notable golfer making a comeback is Will Zalatoris. Zalatoris, who finished last in the 20-man field at the Hero World Challenge a month ago, had been sidelined for a significant portion of the previous season due to back surgery in April. His withdrawal from the Masters just ahead of the first round further highlighted the challenges he faced.
The PGA Tour recently unveiled the full-field list for the 2024 Sony Open, which can be found below:
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the 2024 Sony Open in Hawaii? The tournament is scheduled to take place from January 11-14.
- Who is competing in the Sony Open? 144 golfers, including Gary Woodland and Will Zalatoris, will be participating in the event.
- What is the significance of the Sony Open? The Sony Open is the second tournament of the 2024 PGA TOUR Season and the first full-field event.
- How long has Gary Woodland been away from competitive golf? Woodland last competed in the Wyndham Championship in August 2023, where he finished tied for 27th.
- How did Will Zalatoris perform in his previous tournament? Zalatoris finished last in the 20-man field at the Hero World Challenge.
- Why was Will Zalatoris absent for most of the previous season? He underwent back surgery in April and had to withdraw from the Masters before the first round.
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