Woodland Takes Lead into Final Round of Texas Children’s Houston Open
Gary Woodland shot a composed 5-under 65, improving his overall score to 18 under par as he heads into the final round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open with a narrow one-stroke lead over Nicolai Hojgaard.
The American golfer is aiming for his first victory since clinching the 2019 U.S. Open, adding to his reputation as one of the sport’s most respected athletes. This comes as he continues his recovery process following brain surgery in September 2023.
Woodland recently discussed his personal struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, detailing the emotional burden it imposed on him. He expressed relief in finally being able to share his experiences, which marks a significant step in his healing journey.
On the course, Woodland’s performance has shown signs of resurgence. He noted that adjustments, including new shafts in his irons, have restored both speed and control to his game, enabling him to maintain a solid swing throughout the week.
Woodland showcased remarkable skills on Saturday, notably executing a 2-iron from the water for a birdie on the par-5 16th hole, followed by nearly driving the green on the short par-4 17th with his next shot.
Nicolai Hojgaard kept pace with Woodland, carding an impressive 63 after posting a 62 on Friday. The 25-year-old Dane has accumulated an impressive tally of 15 birdies and one eagle over the last two rounds, positioning himself firmly in the hunt for his first PGA Tour title. Currently ranked 47th in the world, he is on track to qualify for the Masters unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
Defending champion Min Woo Lee recorded a 67, while Michael Thorbjørnsen shot a 66, leaving them five strokes behind. Thorbjørnsen finds himself in a crucial position, as a top-eight finish could secure his first invitation to the Masters. Although Woodland seeks victory to ensure a return to Augusta, he acknowledges that this pursuit is secondary to his broader personal journey.
Woodland’s recent surgery successfully removed some lesions that had triggered debilitating fear and anxiety, leading to moments where he felt overwhelmed during rounds. By sharing his story, he described the emotional release as feeling “1,000 pounds lighter.”
As he prepares for the final round at Memorial Park, where he finished as the runner-up last year, Woodland remains focused. His strengths in approach play and putting, aided by a slight modification to his putter, position him well for a strong finish.
Meanwhile, Hojgaard, a rookie on the 2023 tour with three DP World Tour titles under his belt, has made it clear that he intends to keep fighting until the very end, further intensifying the competition for the title. The final round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf starting at 1:15 PM on Sunday, with the main event scheduled for 8:15 PM.
