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 known for winning the 2019 U.S. Open. This marked his first major championship victory and sixth professional win. After a college career, he transitioned to professional golf in 2007, briefly playing on the Nationwide Tour before establishing himself on the PGA Tour.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: Turned professional

In 2007, Gary Woodland turned professional after a successful college career.

2007: Played on the Nationwide Tour

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

2008: Entered Qualifying School for PGA Tour

In 2008, Gary Woodland entered the Qualifying school for the PGA Tour.

2009: Ranked 962nd

Gary Woodland ended 2009 ranked 962 in the 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. He struggled during his debut season and suffered a shoulder injury in July.

2010: Ranked 591st

Gary Woodland ended 2010 ranked 591 in the OWGR.

2010: Divided Time Between PGA and Nationwide Tours

In 2010, Gary Woodland divided his time between the PGA and Nationwide Tours, without recording a single top ten finish on either tour. He finished 92nd in the Nationwide Tour money list and secured a return to full PGA Tour status after another T-11 finish at qualifying school.

March 2011: Won Transitions Championship

In March 2011, Gary Woodland won his first PGA Tour title at the Transitions Championship. This victory secured his place at the 2011 Masters Tournament and elevated him to a career-high ranking of 53rd in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

November 2011: Won Omega Mission Hills World Cup

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

2011: Finished Tied for First at the Bob Hope Classic

In 2011, Gary Woodland and Jhonattan Vegas finished tied for first place at the Bob Hope Classic, marking Woodland's first top-10 finish on either of the two main tours. Vegas ultimately 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, losing 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 the Waste Management Phoenix Open in a sudden-death playoff, ending a five-year drought on tour and moving up to fifth in the season's FedEx Cup standings.

2018: Top-Ten Finish at PGA Championship

In 2018, Gary Woodland carded a top-ten finish in the PGA Championship.

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.

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 lost to Xander Schauffele, who shot a course record-tying 62.

February 2019: Invited Amy Bockerstette to Play at Phoenix Open

In February 2019, Gary Woodland invited Amy Bockerstette, a collegiate golfer with Down syndrome, to play the 16th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Her par on the hole became a viral moment 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, finishing with a score of 271 (-13), three shots ahead of the runner-up. This marked his first major victory.

December 2019: Played in the 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, where the U.S. team won 16–14. Woodland went 1–2–1 and lost his Sunday singles match against Im Sung-jae.