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Gary Woodland signed for a bogey-free 8-under 64 to begin the Sanderson Farms Championship on a excessive be aware.
It has been a bit over a yr since Woodland had mind surgical procedure final September to take away a benign lesion. He returned to the PGA Tour in early January 2024 at the Sony Open, however it has taken some time for him to place all of it collectively.
Woodland has 22 begins within the yr, with only one Prime 25 end. He solely made 12 cuts on the season as effectively. Woodland missed the reduce within the first FedEx Cup Fall occasion, the Procore Championship. Regardless of the difficult yr, the 40-year-old finds the positives. Coming from what occurred final yr to the place he’s now places issues into perspective for him.
“I’ve been out right here a very long time. There’s a variety of ups and downs,” Woodland stated. “Once you’re coming from the place I’ve been, and also you’re beginning to see indicators, it’s been a bit simpler to remain constructive.”
“It’s been good to shoot some low rounds at dwelling. Somewhat irritating out right here, however it was good at the moment simply to place all of it collectively. I’ve had days the place I’ve hit it effectively or I’ve putted it effectively, I simply haven’t carried out it collectively, and it was good to see that at the moment.”
Nevertheless, it looks as if the breakthrough lastly occurred for him in Mississippi.
The 2019 U.S. Open champion took time to work on his sport with Randy Smith in Dallas. Smith helped Woodland break down issues to get again to the fundamentals.
“Every thing is simply coming collectively. I’ve seen stuff at dwelling,” he defined. “ I simply haven’t seen it out right here in a very long time, so it was good. I knew it was coming. It’s exhausting to remain affected person out right here generally, however thankfully, I’ve carried out that, and it is good to see all of it payoff.”
Woodland sits 4 pictures off the chief David Skinns, who shot a 12-under 60 to begin the match. He has put himself into competition and can look to maintain the momentum going. Woodland, Zach Johnson and Okay.H. Lee tee off at 8:38 a.m. ET for Spherical 2.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. For extra golf protection, comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You too can comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.
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