Tiger Is Out

Tiger Woods withdrew from the U.S. Open last week, saying that his damaged right leg needs more time to get stronger to contend in the majors.

Woods made a surprise return at the Masters, just 14 months after he broke bones in his right leg and ankle in a February 2021 car crash outside Los Angeles. He made the cut at Augusta National, then played the PGA Championship at Southern Hills but had to withdraw after the third round.

Woods always had his sights on St. Andrews — the final major on golf’s calendar — even after he played in the Masters. He said after the Masters he wasn’t sure whether he could play in the PGA Championship or the U.S. Open, but he would be at the British Open.

The Old Course is relatively flat, the easiest of the four majors to walk.

Who is showing up at the U.S. Open?

That’s the question with the controversial LIV Tour appearing in the UK and players that are U.S. Open staples—like past winner Dustin Johnson—jumping ship. The tournament, which followed the RBC Canadian Open at St. George’s, is being played at The Country Club at Brookline outside of Boston, one of golf’s most celebrated venues, having hosted the Ryder Cup. It’s old school, classic fairways will surely test the game’s best—even more, if the weather is warm and the course plays firm and fast.

Who to watch

Jon Rahm

The No. 2 player in the world, Rahm is the defending U.S. Open champion, and there’s no reason to think he can’t repeat. The big-hitting Spaniard is nearing $4-million in winnings this year, with a win and six Top 10 finishes in only 13 starts. Rahm has to be among the favourites heading into the week.

Scottie Scheffler

The World No. 1 tied for 7th in the last U.S. Open and has since become the game’s hottest player, with four wins and eight Top 10s this year. Based on his strong play alone, Scheffler has to be a frontrunner for the week, but he’s not alone when it comes to golfers on a hot streak.

Patrick Cantlay

Cantlay, who has recovered from significant back injuries, to become one of the best in the world seems like a natural fit for the U.S. Open. While not one of the biggest hitters off the tee, he is one of the game’s best and most aggressive putters, which should serve him well at the small, tricky greens of Brookline.

Phil Mickelson

He played at the first LIV event in London, and will be making his first start in North America since January. Now 51, ranked 77th in the world, and never having won a U.S. Open, Mickelson is racing against time.

Dustin Johnson

Johnson skipped playing in Canada when he decided to play in the LIV tournament. However, ranked No. 15 in the world, and a past U.S. Open winner, Johnson has been hot and cold this year, with two Top 10 finishes. How he’ll handle the extra attention at the U.S. Open will be telling.

The Canadians

Five Canadians find their way into the U.S. Open field led by World No. 35 Corey Conners. Roger Sloan and Nick Taylor, both from British Columbia, are in the field, along with PGA Tour winner Mackenzie Hughes, and past PGA Tour member Ben Silverman. Adam Hadwin, who made the cut at the PGA Championship, is the first alternate and is expected to play in the event as well.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Limited Edition Gear

As America’s major returns to the northeast, the 2022 Summer Commemorative Staff Bag highlights the region’s rich ties to American history. The Boston Tea Party helped inspire the Revolutionary War, and it also serves as the main inspiration for this design. The unique tea-stained finish represents the more than 300 chests of British tea that were dumped into the Boston Harbor in the winter of 1773.

Back In Boston

America’s major returns to the Boston area for the first time since 1988. The Summer Commemorative Staff Bag highlights the region’s rich ties to American history, drawing inspiration from the Boston Tea Party that helped inspire the Revolutionary War. The bag’s unique tea-stained finish reflects the 300 chests of British tea dumped into the Boston Harbor in the winter of 1773.

One if By Land, Two if By Sea

Scripted onto the upper of the bag is the date “April 18, 1775,” signaling the night Paul Revere left Boston on horseback to warn that the “Redcoats are coming!” One if by land, two if by sea. Both lanterns he carried to signal his fellow Americans are illustrated on the valuables pouch. Following the historical timeline, the ball pouch was inspired by the uniforms worn by American patriots during the ensuing Revolutionary War. The rivets are made from brushed bronze and have subtly placed TaylorMade logos.

Country Club Cues

Venue-inspired features include the “246” in the upper pocket as a nod to the 1913 champion, Francis Ouimet, who lived on the 17th hole at 246 Clyde Street. The house still stands to this day, with the championship returning to the historic country club for the fourth time.

Regional Easter Eggs

A hard-wearing medallion and bricks around the base pay homage to the Freedom Trail, marked by 16 historical locations throughout Boston. The frosty beer glass is a nod to the region’s long-lived brewing culture.

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