Gary Woodland (born May 21, 1984) is an American professional golfer best known for winning the 2019 U.S. Open, his only major championship. Originally a college basketball player at Washburn University, he switched to golf at the University of Kansas after realizing he wasn't quick enough defensively for Division I basketball. Turning professional in 2007, he claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the 2011 Transitions Championship and later teamed with Matt Kuchar to win the 2011 World Cup. After battling health issues, including surgery for a brain tumor, Woodland staged a remarkable comeback by winning the 2026 Houston Open—his fifth PGA Tour title and first win since his 2019 major. His journey from a basketball scholarship to major champion and cancer survivor is both inspiring and a testament to his resilience.