Career Timeline of Gary Woodland: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 3, 2025

How Gary Woodland built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Gary Woodland is an American professional golfer, best known for winning the 2019 U.S. Open. This victory marked his first major championship and sixth professional win. Woodland turned professional in 2007 after a successful college golf career and briefly played on the Nationwide Tour before joining the PGA Tour.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: Turned Professional

In 2007, Gary Woodland concluded his successful college golf career, which included winning four tournaments, and turned professional.

2007: Played on Nationwide Tour

In 2007, after turning professional, Gary Woodland participated in several tournaments on the Nationwide Tour.

2008: Entered Qualifying School for PGA Tour

In 2008, Gary Woodland continued playing on the Nationwide Tour and, at the end of the season, entered the Qualifying school for the PGA Tour.

2009: Ended year ranked 962

At the end of 2009, Gary Woodland was ranked 962 in the world.

2009: Debut season on PGA Tour

In 2009, Gary Woodland debuted on the PGA Tour after earning a full card through the Qualifying School. However, his season was cut short in July due to a shoulder injury after struggling with form.

2010: Ended year ranked 591

At the end of 2010, Gary Woodland was ranked 591 in the world.

2010: Divided time between PGA and Nationwide Tours

In 2010, Gary Woodland split his time competing on both the PGA and Nationwide Tours but didn't achieve a top ten finish on either. Despite this, he finished 92nd in the Nationwide Tour money list and secured his return to the PGA Tour through the qualifying school.

March 2011: Won Transitions Championship

In March 2011, Gary Woodland won his first PGA Tour title at the Transitions Championship. His victory secured him a spot at the 2011 Masters Tournament and elevated his world ranking.

November 2011: Won Omega Mission Hills World Cup

In November 2011, Gary Woodland, partnered with Matt Kuchar, won the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

2011: Tied for first at Bob Hope Classic

In 2011, during the Bob Hope Classic, Gary Woodland tied for first place with Jhonattan Vegas at 27-under-par, marking his first top-10 finish on the main tours, although Vegas won in a playoff.

2015: Reached final of WGC-Cadillac Match Play

In 2015, Gary Woodland reached the final of the WGC-Cadillac Match Play but lost to Rory McIlroy. This achievement moved him to a career-best 32nd in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

February 2018: Won Waste Management Phoenix Open

In February 2018, Gary Woodland won the Waste Management Phoenix Open in a sudden-death playoff against Chez Reavie, marking his third PGA Tour victory and ending a five-year drought. This win improved his standing in the FedEx Cup.

2018: Top-ten finish in PGA Championship

In 2018, Gary Woodland carded one of his only two top-ten finishes in majors, during the PGA Championship.

2018: 36-hole lead at PGA Championship

In 2018, Gary Woodland held the 36-hole lead at the PGA Championship with a total score of 130, a tournament record. He finished the tournament in a tie for sixth place.

January 2019: Led Sentry Tournament of Champions Entering Final Round

In January 2019, Gary Woodland led the Sentry Tournament of Champions entering the final round but ultimately lost to Xander Schauffele despite shooting a five-under-par 68.

June 2019: Won U.S. Open

In June 2019, Gary Woodland won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, marking his first major championship and sixth professional victory. He finished with a score of 13-under-par, securing a three-shot victory.

December 2019: Played in Presidents Cup

In December 2019, Gary Woodland participated in the 2019 Presidents Cup as a member of the U.S. team, which won the competition. Woodland's individual record was 1–2–1.