Gary Woodland returned to golf after a brain lesion. Following "one of the hardest years" of his life, the U.S. Open champion had an encouraging start to his season.

Gary Woodland had a short flight from his vacation on the Big Island to the Sony Open on Oahu. Former President Barrack Obama and family were seated in the row ahead of Woodland and his wife.

After having a brain tumor removed, Gary Woodland came back too soon last year but through yoga and meditation, he's learning to calm his mind.

HONOLULU — Gary Woodland had a brief vacation ... He played the back nine in 30 at the Sony Open and tied for 10th. How he made it to Hawaii is still hard for him to believe.

How to watch the 2025 Sony Open on Saturday, including full Saturday TV coverage and streaming info for Round 3 in Hawaii.

Patrick Fishburn found some early momentum and Denny McCarthy overcame a sluggish start Friday, both winding up in the same spot -- a share of the lead in the Sony Open going into what figures to be a wide-open weekend at Waialae.

Spaun, who last won at the 2022 Valero Texas Open, was born in Los Angeles and played his college golf at San Diego State University, so his thoughts have been with those from his hometown as the area continues to suffer through wildfires.