A run of failing to get past the third round of a ranking event in the 2016–17 season ended when Gould played in the 2017 German Masters. The defending champion beat Jamie Jones 5–0, Ricky Walden 5–3 and Ryan Day 5–2 to face Ali Carter in the semi-finals and he was defeated 2–6. The run gave Gould the final place for the World Grand Prix and he edged out Mark Selby 4–3, before losing 3–4 to Joe Perry. Gould won three matches to qualify for the World Championship and fell 2–7 behind John Higgins in the opening session of the first round. He threatened a fightback upon his return, but would be eliminated 6–10.