Gary Woodland to be Inducted into the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame

Strategic Insights -

Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open Champion and University of Kansas alumnus, will be honored with induction into the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame on September 19 at The Jayhawk Club in Lawrence. Woodland's achievements on and off the course have made him an inspiration to many, and his dedication to his craft has cemented his place in the University of Kansas athletic legacy. His perseverance in the face of adversity, including a 2023 brain lesion diagnosis, is a testament to his courage and determination.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gary Woodland, a University of Kansas graduate and 2019 U.S. Open Champion, will be inducted into the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame on September 19.
  • Woodland is one of the most decorated golfers in Kansas history, competing at KU from 2004-07 and earning two All-Big 12 selections, as well as multiple individual wins.
  • As a professional, Woodland has won four PGA Tour events, including the 2019 U.S. Open, and has 30 top-five finishes and 56 top-10s in 286 career starts.
  • Woodland has been recognized with the PGA TOUR Courage Award for his perseverance in the face of a 2023 brain lesion diagnosis, which he overcame to secure three top-25 finishes in 26 starts that season.
  • Woodland was named a vice captain for the 45th Ryder Cup in July 2025 and is a member of the Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame and the Kansas Golf Hall of Fame.
  • The Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame will be the third to induct Woodland, who is an inspiration to many with his dedication to his craft and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Statistics:

  • 2019 U.S. Open Champion (Pepble Beach)
  • Four-time PGA Tour winner, including the 2019 U.S. Open, 2011 Transitions Championship, 2013 Reno-Tahoe Open, and 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open
  • 30 top-five finishes and 56 top-10s in 286 career starts
  • 73.33 career stroke average in 145 rounds as a University of Kansas Jayhawk
  • 26 career rounds in the 60s, a program record that still stands
  • Has been recognized with the PGA TOUR Courage Award and the 2025 PGA TOUR Courage Award

Sources:

  • University of Kansas Athletics
  • PGA TOUR
  • Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame