AUGUSTA, Ga. ? Gary Woodland returned to the Masters this week after winning the Houston Open and publicly detailing the post-traumatic stress symptoms he has experienced since brain surgery in 2023.

In an interview report from Augusta, The Associated Press said Woodland described episodes of hypervigilance and fear that continued even after the lesion on his brain was treated, including moments during competition when he believed people were trying to kill him.

Woodland's return to Augusta came only days after PGA Tour coverage of his Houston victory said he won for the first time since 2019, earning a Masters berth with an emotional performance that followed weeks of public reflection on his condition.

The same comeback arc was outlined by ESPN, which reported that Woodland was taking in Augusta National differently this year while remaining aware that large galleries and close crowds could still trigger anxiety.

Woodland said he wanted his disclosure to help reduce stigma around mental health, turning his Masters return into a story that extended well beyond scorecards and tee times.