150th Open Championship Tiger Woods to return,at St Andrews and players to watch in 2022
There is much to anticipate, including the emergence of potential new superstars, the women's game-breaking new ground and political power-plays to fend off disrupters who want to smash the status quo.
Here's what we can expect in 2022, including my majors'...
Apart from his hit and giggle appearance with son Charlie at the PNC Championship in Florida last month, 2021 was a barren year for Tiger Woods, who recently turned 46.
Woods spent most of it recovering from a February car crash which almost resulted in the loss of his right leg. His Orlando return surprised many, and while young Charlie stole the show, the outing proved the 15-time major champion can still play.
Realistically, though, it may be a while before we see him compete again at the highest level. Woods would love to play the tournament he promotes, The Genesis Invitational at Riviera in February, but that may prove too soon.
Likewise, for another favourite stop at Bay Hill in March, would undulating Augusta prove too physically demanding in April?
I would be most tempted to back his return at The Open at St Andrew's in July. The Old Course terrain should be forgiving enough, and where better to come back than the home of golf where Woods has won two of his three Open titles?
Landmark Opens
Regardless, that week will be exceptional as golf celebrates the 150th Open. The oldest and most historic majors have come a long way since eight men first teed off in Prestwick and Willie Park won the Challenge Belt back in 1860.
The Open is one of the world's most significant sporting events, and there will be an air of celebration when Collin Morikawa embarks on the defence of the title he won on his Open debut last summer.
There will likely be a mini champions challenge event on the eve of the main competition. At the very least, we can expect to see Woods appear in that.
A couple of weeks later, the AIG Women's Open will be played at Muirfield for the first time. Many female golfers will tell you the sport still has a long way to go on the path of equality.
In 2017, Muirfield needed to change its male-only membership policy and stage the most prominent women's golf event in the UK. There could be another significant step. Expect plenty of focus on Anna Nordqvist's title defence come August.
0 Comment