“Gary Woodland regains confidence and shines at the Houston Open.”

Gary Woodland, the powerful golfer who has won the U.S. Open, is in full recovery and rediscovering one of his greatest strengths: self-confidence. During the Texas Children’s Houston Open, Woodland demonstrated that his competitive spirit is stronger than ever. With an impressive 2-iron shot on hole 16, 259 yards over water, he not only secured a birdie with a two-putt but also made it clear that he is back in the fight. His club twirl was a confirmation of renewed confidence, and Jim “Bones” Mackay, on-course commentator, did not hesitate to praise the sublime sound the club made upon striking the ball. “There are beautiful things in this great game of golf,” Mackay commented, “but that was one of the most beautiful sounds I’ve heard in 35 years.”

In recent years, Woodland has faced significant challenges, including the loss of the power that had made him one of the most feared long hitters on the tour. However, he is back, both physically and mentally, after reuniting with his long-time coach, Randy Smith. Additionally, a new Scotty Cameron putter and adjustments to his putting technique, identified by coach Phil Kenyon, have contributed to his rise. Woodland has also opened up about his struggle with PTSD following brain surgery, a factor that affected his performance. Now, he feels confident enough to return to the irons that brought him success in the past.

With an impressive round of 65, five under par, Woodland enters the final round with a one-shot lead over Nicolai Hojgaard, a young Danish star making history with his consecutive rounds of 62 and 63. The pressure is intense, but Woodland is determined. “I believe Randy has a lot of credit,” Woodland said. “I’ve been struggling for the last three or four years. I went back to him a year and a half ago… He basically told me I was being soft, that I was guiding the ball, and that was never my style.”

After a tough start in the third round, with a bogey, Woodland bounced back with seven birdies, showing sharpness in every aspect of his game. He gained over seven strokes in approach and six in putting, demonstrating impressive control with 84% of greens in regulation. His return to the KBS C-Taper 130 clubs, which he used during some of his best seasons, was a crucial step. Woodland explained that he made the change last season due to a drop in speed, but now he is back in rhythm. “My speed is back, and I went back to using those clubs, and it felt good,” he stated.

A spectacular comeback: Woodland, 41, is now leading the tour in club speed, with an impressive 127.68 mph. “Saturday’s round was a good fight,” he said, reflecting on his strategy. “I heard Randy yelling at me in my head. I’ve been playing really well the last week, so I took a step back and told myself not to rush.”

With just one victory in 54 holes, his experience at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, where he finished with a convincing win, serves as a constant reminder of what he is capable of. Now, with a new wave of self-confidence, Woodland is determined to turn this lead into a new achievement. The desire to win is being fueled by the rediscovery of his inner self, and golf fans are ready to witness whether he can reach the top once again.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.