Topeka native, PGA star Gary Woodland to undergo brain surgery

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Gary Woodland, a Topeka native who played golf at the University of Kansas on the way to a successful professional career that has included a U.S. Open championship, announced Wednesday that he will be undergoing brain surgery.

Woodland, 39, said he was diagnosed a few months ago with a lesion on his brain. He has been treating his symptoms with medication, but after consulting with multiple specialists, he has opted for surgery to remove the lesion. The surgery is scheduled for Sept. 18.

Woodland last played on the PGA Tour at the Wyndham Championship from Aug. 3-6. He hasn’t played in the last two tournaments, but there was no word at the time of any health issue.

After graduating from Shawnee Heights High School in 2002, Woodland attended Washburn on a basketball scholarship. He left after one year to attend KU to play golf. He has four PGA tour wins, and he won the 2019 U.S Open at Pebble Beach.