2022 U.S. Open: Key Groups to Watch

The U.S. Open always produces one of the best fields in golf each year and this year is no exception.

The 156-player field features tons of star power from all over the globe. There are several groupings that should be put into the must-watch category as play gets going on Thursday morning.

You can see all 52 groupings here.  Let’s take a look at some of the notable groupings for the 122nd edition of the U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Will Zalatoris, Cameron Young, Joaquin Niemann

The 8:02 a.m. starting time off of the 1st tee features three young stars who are all looking for their first major championship.

Zalatoris and Young were both in contention on Sunday at the PGA Championship with a runner-up and T3 finish respectively.

Niemann also played well at the PGA finishing T23. Look for at least one of the young stars from this grouping to be in contention down the stretch on Sunday.

Following his runner-up finish last month at the PGA Championship Zalatoris was adamant that he would get his first major championship soon.

"“I know I’m going to get one,” Zalatoris said. “Just a matter of time.”"

Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka

The 1:25 p.m. starting time off of the 10th tee features two major champions and all three players are currently ranked inside the top 20 in the Official World Golf Rankings.

This group has tons of storylines to captivate the audience. Can Cameron Smith win his first major? Will Scottie continue his hot stretch and grab his second major?

Can major champion specialist Brooks Koepka get back on track at the majors and grab his third U.S. Open title? Sign me up for this grouping.

Collin Morikawa, Jon Rahm, James Piot

The 7:18 a.m. starting time off of the 1st tee features the defending U.S. Open Champion Jon Rahm as well as two-time major champion Collin Morikawa.

You also have an intriguing storyline with 2021 U.S. Amateur Champion James Piot playing his first event since making his LIV Golf Debut last week.

It would be a big surprise if you don’t see either Rahm or Morikawa in contention down the stretch on Sunday, as both players have the firepower to tame a U.S. Open course.

Honorable Mentions

It says a lot about the depth of the field at this week’s U.S. Open that I haven’t mentioned the odds-on favorite Rory McIlroy or recent PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas.

Let’s hope for a stacked leaderboard down the stretch on Sunday with some of the aforementioned players in contention.

Other notable groupings:

7:29 a.m. Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, Max Homa.

7:40 a.m. Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama, Xander Schauffle.*

7:29 a.m. Justin Thomas, Viktor Hovland, Tony Finau. *

*10th tee start.