Gary Woodland signed for a bogey-free 8-under 64 to begin the Sanderson Farms Championship on a excessive word.
It has been slightly over a 12 months since Woodland had mind surgical procedure final September to take away a benign lesion. He returned to the PGA Tour in early January 2024 at the Sony Open, however it has taken some time for him to place all of it collectively.
Woodland has 22 begins within the 12 months, with only one High 25 end. He solely made 12 cuts on the season as effectively. Woodland missed the lower within the first FedEx Cup Fall occasion, the Procore Championship. Regardless of the difficult 12 months, the 40-year-old finds the positives. Coming from what occurred final 12 months to the place he’s now places issues into perspective for him.
“I’ve been out right here a very long time. There’s lots of ups and downs,” Woodland mentioned. “While you’re coming from the place I’ve been, and also you’re beginning to see indicators, it’s been slightly simpler to remain optimistic.”
“It’s been good to shoot some low rounds at residence. Somewhat irritating out right here, however it was good in the present day simply to place all of it collectively. I’ve had days the place I’ve hit it effectively or I’ve putted it effectively, I simply haven’t completed it collectively, and it was good to see that in the present day.”
Nonetheless, it looks as if the breakthrough lastly occurred for him in Mississippi.
The 2019 U.S. Open champion took time to work on his recreation with Randy Smith in Dallas. Smith helped Woodland break down issues to get again to the fundamentals.
“All the things is simply coming collectively. I’ve seen stuff at residence,” he defined. “ I simply haven’t seen it out right here in a very long time, so it was good. I knew it was coming. It’s onerous to remain affected person out right here typically, however happily, I’ve completed that, and it is good to see all of it payoff.”
Woodland sits 4 pictures off the chief David Skinns, who shot a 12-under 60 to begin the match. He has put himself into rivalry and can look to maintain the momentum going. Woodland, Zach Johnson and Okay.H. Lee tee off at 8:38 a.m. ET for Spherical 2.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You may as well observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.