Team USA Ryder Cup captain offers health update after brain tumor battle with ‘distraction’ claim

Gary Woodland is set to join Keegan Bradley’s leadership team for the 2025 Ryder Cup, having been named as vice-captain, having spent much of the last two years battling health problems

Gary Woodland will be vice-captain for Team USA at this year’s Ryder Cup

NORTH BERWICK, SCOTLAND – Gary Woodland is preparing for his first-ever Ryder Cup involvement, having been appointed Team USA vice-captain by Keegan Bradley for this year’s showdown against Europe.

Woodland is joined by a vast amount of USA hopefuls at the Scottish Open this weekend, with the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas and JJ Spaun all hitting the links.

But for Woodland, the appointment gives him the chance to think about something other than his devastating health woes. Just two years ago, Woodland announced the terrifying news to the world that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

His battle was featured heavily in Netflix’s Full Swing, as he explained how he feared he’d never see his four children again.

After undergoing successful surgery, he staggeringly made a comeback to the course and was awarded the PGA Tour’s Courage Award.

Speaking to Mirror Sport US at the Renaissance Club this week, Woodland explained how the vice-captaincy came about, saying: “I’m very excited.

Gary Woodland recovered after suffering from a brain tumour

“I’ve known for a little while, so it’s nice to get it out in the public, but it’s an honour, and Keegan’s energy is unbelievable, so hopefully I can match that and bring something to the team, for sure.

“It’s nice. For me it’s nice to focus on something else than my health, so it’s a nice distraction for me. It’s something I’m very proud of, for sure.”

It’s been a long road for Woodland to get himself back in a position where he can play again, as he explained: “I’m getting better. It’s up and down, but I’m getting better.”

Woodland isn’t just in Scotland to make up the numbers, however, and made a fast start to his opening round on Thursday, carding three birdies in his first four holes.

He levelled out somewhat and finished one-under going into Friday’s round, and Woodland’s competitive nature was on full display as he rued missed chances.

“Well, game’s a lot better than what the score says today, so that’s a little frustrating, but it’s always nice coming back here,” he said.

Gary Woodland will be vice-captain for Team USA at this year’s Ryder Cup

“I love this place. Well, obviously, we’ve got some beautiful weather today, which is nice, but this course was probably gettable today. It was I got off early with not much wind.

“I got off to a good start and gave some back, but nice to get one, coming in and get under par, and It’s not get started, get a bit a weekend and going. A little.”