Daniel Berger

Berger has been hinting at a return in recent months and this tee time continues that narrative. He went through a rehab program over the winter to help with his back troubles and is seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Berger is as competitive as they come so he's not going to tee it up until he thinks he can truly contend. There is no guarantee that he plays next Monday but this is certainly a positive sign that he's inching closer and closer to a return to action on the big stage.

Berger played through injury last year but eventually shut it down after a missed cut at the U.S. Open. "I was taking two ice baths a day to get on the course." He started a new rehab program in the winter, thanks to a tip from Luke Donald, and is seeing some good progress. A return to action is just around the corner, barring any setbacks, but it won't be easy transition. "When I took time off, I was a top-20 player. Iâ??ll be coming back with nothing. I get it â?? itâ??s part of the game. Youâ??ve got to earn everything. When I come back, Iâ??ll come back with fire in my belly." 

Berger dealt with a wrist injury early in his career but sprained a sacroiliac (SI) joint early in 2022. He played 12 events before shutting it down after a missed cut at the U.S. Open. He missed the last major of the season, adding the following comment to his fans, "So upset to miss the 150th Open at St. Andrews. Still working on getting back to 100%. Good luck to all. Hoping to be back soon!" He's yet to return to action and there is no additional news on his injuries with his time sitting on the sidelines now eclipsing the six-month mark. Berger is a complete wildcard for gamers looking for reasons to draft him in season-long leagues. 

The 29-year-old was a pre-tournament WD last week ahead of the John Deere Classic and he remains sidelined. He's been battling back injuries all season. He sent out a message to his followers on social media, "So upset to miss the 150th Open at St. Andrews. Still working on getting back to 100%. Good luck to all. Hoping to be back soon!" Despite the injury-plagued season, Berger finds himself at 69th in the FedExCup race.