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Why a Gary Woodland win would mean a lot more this weekend

January 7, 2019

Gary Woodland opened the final round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions with a three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy as he tries to capture his fourth career PGA Tour victory on Sunday.

If Woodland can hold off the four-time major-winner, it will be quite the early season statement, especially since he’s playing the weekend with more on his mind than just golf.

Woodland learned on Friday night that his grandma had passed away.

“I got that phone call late [Friday] night. That’s been tough,” he told reporters on Saturday. “She’s been downhill for a little while now. It’s been tough. And you try to prepare for that but you never really can. So that, definitely have a little extra emotion with me, but we’ll get through it.”

Woodland played well the day after learning of the news, shooting a five-under 73 to gain a big advantage heading into Sunday.

You can follow the final round here.