Country Club Expert Picks and Predictions
The long-awaited third Major of the year has finally arrived, it’s time for the US Open 2022 at the Country Club.
It’s arguably one of the most exciting major championships of all time with everything going on in the golf world right now.
The USGA assured there would be no shortage of headlines this week when it announced that LIV participants would be eligible to continue playing at the US Open, at least for this year, as for the future ? That’s a discussion for another time.
Sadly, Tiger chose to forgo this year’s US Open and continue with his preparations for the Scottish Open just a month away.
Phil Mickelson is back in the States, however, and will be playing on American soil for the first time since the Farmers Insurance Open earlier this year.
Meanwhile, defending champion Jon Rahm is looking to become the eighth player to win back-to-back US Opens, something only two players, Curtis Strange and Brooks Koepka, have accomplished since 1988.
It’s all set to be an exciting week of action, so without further ado, here’s who our staff is picking to win Game 122 of the United States Open Championship.
Expert picks and predictions for the 122nd US Open
US Open, The Country Club, (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Justin Thomas
This year’s PGA Champion is a popular pick among our pundits this week, as JT aims to make them back-to-back major triumphs in 2022.
Mike Randleman: “In 26 career starts in the majors, he has made 21 cuts and four in a row. He has seven top-10s. He’s 5 for 7 at the US Open and took T-19 last year at Torrey Pines.
That would take him halfway to a career Grand Slam.
Thomas had just turned pro when the 2013 US Amateur came to Brookline. Either way, JT will look like a member of the Country Club the same way he will top the leaderboard next Sunday.
Sean McCann: “Thomas has played one of the hottest golf courses on the tour and is coming off an impressive PGA Championship win.
He probably would have won the Canadian Open too if it hadn’t been for Rory’s hot play and a tough finish on the last 2 holes. If you’re looking to impress LIV players, expect Thomas to drop on Thursday.
Hans Geever: “Since the beginning of January, Justin Thomas has played 12 tournaments on the PGA Tour.
In those 12 events we just mentioned, Thomas has racked up an impressive nine top-20 finishes, including a 2022 PGA Championship win four weeks ago.
US Open, The Country Club, (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Will Zalatoris
Zalatoris came so close to the PGA Championship last month and two of our experts believe the decisive victory will finally come at the US Open this week.
Bill Felber: “I’m nothing if not loyal. I picked Will Zalatoris to win the PGA and he almost did. I’m staying with him at the US Open.
I believe in you, Will, even if no one else does. And just to prove it, if you need a caddy this week, I’ll jump in Boston…just text me.
MacGordon: “It’s no secret that Will Zalatoris has played well at major tournaments since joining the PGA Tour. The 25-year-old finished second to Justin Thomas at the PGA Championship last month, failing in the playoffs.
In his eight career starts at major championships, he has five top-10 finishes, including two runners-up (2021 Masters/2022 PGA).
He’s gained more than 3.5 shots from tee to green in the field in 8/9 measured events in 2022. I’m counting on him to make some putts on Sunday and win his first major championship.
US Open, The Country Club, (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Joaquin Niemann
Josh Chandler: “The last three US Opens have seen players break through for their first major victory. Jon Rahm won last year at Torrey Pines, Bryson DeChambeau in 2020 at Winged Foot and Gary Woodland in 2019 at Pebble Beach.
I believe we see another young star win his first Major this week, and I believe the talented young Chilean will be that player, this is Niemann’s time to shine.
He has already proven he can win on the biggest stage after winning the Genesis earlier this year at Riviera. A strong performance last time out on another hard court at Muirfield is a good indicator that his game is in the right place heading into this week’s US Open.
Billy Horschel
Kathlene Bissell: “He played well and just won at the Memorial.”
Rory McIlroy
Matt Hupfer: “I didn’t bet on him because his number is too short, but if my life depended on picking a winner I’d take Rory.
The US Open is not the tournament you go to find your game and Rory has four top 10 finishes in his last five starts. You have to be an elite tee to green to win at Brookline and Rory defines that. Fresh off of winning the Canadian Open last week, I support McIlroy’s hot hand.
Max Homa
Jake Klausner: “It looks like Homa is just starting to find his stride at the majors. With a spot in the PGA top 10, I think it’s only a matter of time before “The King of Twitter” finally breaks through for his first major.
