Career Timeline of Gary Woodland: Major Achievements and Milestones

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

Gary Woodland is an American professional golfer prominent on the PGA Tour. His career highlight is winning the 2019 U.S. Open, marking his first major championship victory. Prior to his professional success, Woodland had a noteworthy college golfing career. He transitioned to professional golf in 2007 and initially played on the Nationwide Tour, before establishing himself on the PGA Tour. The U.S. Open win represents his sixth professional title.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: Turned Professional

Gary Woodland turned professional in 2007 after a successful college golf career, which included winning four tournaments.

2007: Played on Nationwide Tour

In 2007, after turning professional, Gary Woodland played in a few tournaments on the Nationwide Tour.

2008: Entered Qualifying School for PGA Tour

In 2008, Gary Woodland continued to play on the Nationwide Tour and entered the Qualifying school for the PGA Tour.

2009: Ranked 962 in OWGR

Gary Woodland ended 2009 ranked 962 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

2009: Earned PGA Tour Card

In 2009, Gary Woodland earned a full card to play on the PGA Tour after finishing in a tie for 11th at the Qualifying school. However, he struggled with form and a shoulder injury cut his year short in July.

2010: Ranked 591 in OWGR

Gary Woodland ended 2010 ranked 591 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

2010: Played on PGA and Nationwide Tours

In 2010, Gary Woodland divided his time between the PGA and Nationwide Tours, without achieving a top ten finish on either tour. He finished 92nd in the Nationwide Tour money list and secured a return to full PGA Tour status via qualifying school.

March 2011: Won Transitions Championship

In March 2011, Gary Woodland won his first PGA Tour title at the Transitions Championship by one stroke after Webb Simpson missed a par putt on the final hole. The win secured Woodland a place at the 2011 Masters Tournament and elevated him to 53rd in the Official World Golf Ranking.

November 2011: Won Omega Mission Hills World Cup

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

2011: Finished Second at Bob Hope Classic

In 2011, at the Bob Hope Classic, Gary Woodland and Jhonattan Vegas tied for first place at 27-under-par. Vegas won the title after edging out Woodland in a playoff. This was Gary Woodland's first top-10 finish on either of the two main tours.

2015: Reached Final of WGC-Cadillac Match Play

In 2015, Gary Woodland reached the final of the WGC-Cadillac Match Play, where he lost to Rory McIlroy, and moved to a career-best 32nd in the OWGR.

February 2018: Won Waste Management Phoenix Open

In February 2018, Gary Woodland won his third PGA Tour event at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in a sudden-death playoff over Chez Reavie. This victory ended a five-year drought on tour and moved Woodland up to fifth in the season's FedEx Cup standings.

2018: Held 36-Hole Lead at PGA Championship

In 2018, Gary Woodland held the 36-hole lead at the PGA Championship with a tournament record of 130 through the first two rounds. He finished in a tie for sixth with a score of 10 under par.

2018: Top-Ten Finish in PGA Championship

In 2018, prior to his U.S. Open win, Gary Woodland had only two top-ten finishes in majors, both in the PGA Championship.

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. He shot a five-under-par 68 but lost to Xander Schauffele who shot a course record-tying 62.

February 2019: Amy Bockerstette Plays at Waste Management Phoenix Open

In February 2019, Gary Woodland invited Amy Bockerstette, a collegiate golfer with Down syndrome, to play the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale during a practice round at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Bockerstette made par, and the PGA Tour video went viral with 43 million views.

June 2019: Won U.S. Open

In June 2019, Gary Woodland won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links with a score of 271 (−13). This victory marked his first major and his sixth professional win, moving him from 25th to 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking. Woodland FaceTimed Amy Bockerstette live at the post-win press conference.

December 2019: Played in 2019 Presidents Cup

In December 2019, Gary Woodland played on the U.S. team at the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia. The U.S. team won 16–14.