Gary Woodland Takes on A Leadership Role

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alex Miceli | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 6:05 PM ET

The PGA Tour announced the 2025 Player Advisory Council in late January.

Gary Woodland is included in the list of the 16 members.

Entering his 17^th year on the PGA Tour, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, Woodland has never been part of the tour's corporate governance.

After a changeling and victorious fight against a benign brain tumor last year, the 41-year-old decided it was time he took a part in the process.

“I'm in a position, health-wise, where I can do it,” Woodland said. “The last couple years, I definitely couldn't do it, but now I'm in a position where I don't have to focus on myself as much, and I can actually be part of that.”

Woodland wants to understand what is happening and, at the same time, a voice from the wilderness and is excited to be part of the change that’s going to happen.

Woodland's reference to change starts with a potential LIV Golf—PIF deal and moves in 2026 that reduces field sizes and fan-forward initiatives that address slow play.

At the same time, looking further down the road, the equipment rollback is on the horizon.

“That the tour is going to change next year in 26 with field sizes and all that,” Woodland said. “And I'd like to be in the know and voice my opinion on it. It'll be next week will be my first meeting, if I'm interested, see how that goes.”

Woodland believes he has benefited from what others have done before him and now it’s his turn to give back.

With change hard for some to accept and with the Tour involved in many changes down the road, Woodland is focused on being part of the process helping to effect change.

“I want to do what's best for the players, there's no doubt about that,” Woodland said just days before his first PAC meeting at the Phoenix Open. “I think I come from a unique place because I've been on the top, and I've been on the bottom last couple years. So, I've seen both sides of it. I understand it is out here for some of the bottom guys, and I understand what it feels like to be on top as well. So, I think I bring a unique opinion from that standpoint.”

Woodland’s first PAC meeting lasted just 10 minutes, which he called his kind of meeting.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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