Gary Woodland’s Spectacular Hole-in-One at Masters Par Three Contest
Former US Open champion Gary Woodland conquers a hole-in-one at the Masters Par Three Contest, marking a triumphant return post-brain tumor surgery. With his family by his side, Woodland’s inspiring comeback sets the stage for the upcoming 2023 Masters Tournament.
Former US Open champion Gary Woodland made a remarkable return to the game, sinking his first career hole-in-one during the traditional Masters Par Three Contest. The 39-year-old’s triumphant moment comes just months after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor.
Woodland first experienced symptoms, including tremors and chills, back in April 2023. An MRI ultimately revealed the presence of the lesion, leading to his surgery in September. After a lengthy recovery process, the seasoned golfer rejoined the PGA Tour in January, though he struggled to make the cut at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
Now, as he prepares for the prestigious Masters Tournament at Augusta National, Woodland’s ace on the sixth hole from approximately 140 yards out has provided a much-needed confidence boost.
“It came out of nowhere,” the golfer recalled of his health scare. “It was a horrible experience.”
The Par Three Contest, held annually on the eve of the Masters, is a light-hearted event that allows players to enjoy some family time, with spouses, children, and other relatives often serving as caddies. Woodland’s six-year-old son Jaxson and twin four-year-old daughters Maddox and Lennox were on hand to celebrate his historic achievement.
- Rickie Fowler emerged victorious in the par three competition, carding a bogey-free round of 22 with five birdies to top the leaderboard. The 35-year-old, who is making his first Masters appearance since 2020, is now aiming to become the first player to win both the par three event and the main tournament in the same week.
Woodland’s resurgence and impressive performance at the Par Three Contest have undoubtedly captured the attention of golf enthusiasts as they eagerly await the start of the 2023 Masters Tournament.
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