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Gary Woodland Seizes Houston Open Lead at the Halfway Mark

The surge underscores his public return from brain surgery.

Overview

  • Woodland closed Friday with three straight birdies to card a 7-under 63, reaching 13 under and building a multiple-stroke lead at Memorial Park.
  • Nicolai Hojgaard shot an 8-under 62 to move to 10 under, tying Jackson Suber after his 63 for second place at the midpoint.
  • The 2019 U.S. Open winner has discussed post-traumatic stress after his 2023 brain surgery and said opening up left him feeling “a thousand pounds lighter.”
  • Thursday, Paul Waring set the early tone with a bogey-free 63 and more than 160 feet of made putts to lead Round 1 while competing on a medical exemption after a shoulder injury.
  • This tournament is the final chance to earn a Masters invite via a top-50 world ranking or a win, with Rickie Fowler at 3 under needing a strong finish.