HOUSTON (AP) – Gary Woodland maintained his lead at the Houston Open on Saturday, shooting a 5-under 65 to secure a one-shot advantage over Nicolai Højgaard.
This performance marks Woodland’s pursuit of his first victory since the 2019 U.S. Open.
Both Woodland and Højgaard showcased their skills at Memorial Park, with no other competitor within five shots of the lead as they head into the final round on Sunday.
Woodland’s Recovery Journey
Woodland has garnered admiration in the golf community for his resilience following brain surgery in September 2023. He has publicly discussed his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), revealing the emotional challenges he faced, including moments of crying during rounds and seeking refuge in bathrooms.
Performance Highlights
As of now, Woodland stands at 18-under 192, marking his first 54-hole lead since his major victory at Pebble Beach. He credits a recent adjustment to his iron shafts for improving his control as his swing speed returns.
During the closing holes, Woodland demonstrated remarkable skill, notably hitting a 2-iron onto the green at the par-5 16th hole for a two-putt birdie. His drive on the par-4 17th hit the bunker and rolled onto the collar, allowing him to secure another birdie with a close pitch.
Challengers and the Final Round
Nicolai Højgaard, who shot a 63 on Saturday, kept pace with Woodland by making key birdies, including a successful chip on the 16th hole and an up-and-down from a bunker on the 17th. Højgaard’s strong performance follows a 62 on Friday, making him a formidable competitor as the tournament progresses.
Defending champion Min Woo Lee (67) and Michael Thorbjornsen (66) trail Woodland by five shots. For Thorbjornsen, who is ranked No. 56 in the world, finishing in the top 50 this week is crucial for a Masters invitation.
The Stakes for Woodland
Woodland’s goal extends beyond winning; he seeks a return to the Masters, with a victory at the Houston Open being vital for his chances. Despite his ambitions, he emphasizes that his journey and recovery remain paramount.
He described the surgery he underwent to remove a significant lesion that had caused him irrational fears about mortality. Sharing his struggles has been liberating for Woodland, who expressed feeling ‘1,000 pounds lighter’ after discussing his experiences publicly.
Højgaard’s Background
Højgaard, who made his Ryder Cup debut in 2023, is eager to secure his first PGA Tour win. His identical twin, Rasmus, has already qualified for the Masters, adding to the competitive dynamic between the brothers.
With three wins on the European Tour, including the DP World Tour Championship at the end of 2023, Højgaard is poised to make a significant impact as he prepares for the final round.
“You know it’s going to be a grind,” Højgaard stated. “It’s going to come down to potentially the last few holes anyway. So you’ve just got to stay in the fight and play your best and do your best and then let’s see where we end up.”