Matthew Wolff may have the wildest swing in golf today, and during Thursday’s opening round of the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, his scorecard proved to be just as unruly-looking.
The 22-year-old phenom, who finished second at this championship to Bryson DeChambeau last year, had been out of competition for two months, but he came back in full force on the major stage.
Wolff carded eight birdies at a tournament where pars are at a premium. Unfortunately, some rust showed in fits of bad play, as Wolff also carded three bogeys and two double bogeys en route to a one-under score of 70.
Count 'em up! @matthew_wolff5 rolls in his EIGHTH birdie of the day at the #USOpen pic.twitter.com/ulTE9YRKjr
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2021
It’s strange to think the golf world had gone so long without Wolff in action. He hinted that his time away from the links was related to mental health, which is a commendable move to make to recharge, per Golf Magazine‘s Dylan Dethier:
“I tried so hard to be perfect. Sometimes it’s a lot of pressure, and I think it got a little intense. It got too much.”
— Dylan Dethier (van guy) (@dylan_dethier) June 17, 2021
I talked to Matthew Wolff about his time away from the game — and how it feels to be back. https://t.co/93et8NwIHZ
After all, it’s been a heck of a year in general, and Wolff was struggling a lot with his game.
But there’s something to be said for just how explosive Wolff can be. The youthful flair he exudes is electrifying, as is his one-of-a-kind move through the ball.
If Wolff is ever to win a U.S. Open, though, he’ll need to dial back some of the aggression or at least temper some of his risk-taking. That’ll come with experience, but the sooner Wolff’s course-management skills catch up to his phenomenal talent, the more consistent he’ll be and the more often he’ll win.
For now, it’s absolutely delightful to witness the unchecked wildness with which Wolff approaches golf. Many on social media enjoyed the unpredictable live theatre Wolff provided at the U.S. Open.
The only #USOpen round in the last 40 years with 8 birdies and multiple double bogeys or worse. pic.twitter.com/bPjYVFjFgs
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 17, 2021
Matthew Wolff carving out a spectacular "how many ways can I sort this crazy round in the database" performance on day 1. Thank you, young man.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) June 17, 2021
https://t.co/p3yFUoatwT pic.twitter.com/lVrOxtEHHD
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) June 17, 2021
Maybe Matthew Wolff has just been playing Torrey Pines non-stop for the last 2 months. #USOpen
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) June 17, 2021
Everyone: “Pars are important at the US Open”
— Amanda Rose (@amandagolf59) June 17, 2021
Matt Wolff: Hold my beer pic.twitter.com/9PTuigeMDx
Matthew Wolff's first round pic.twitter.com/zf0cFKJCeJ
— Toptracer (@Toptracer) June 17, 2021
Co-leader. https://t.co/d403kg5SSB pic.twitter.com/YKCE8FQakf
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) June 17, 2021
Matthew Wolff is a meme stock, I’m gunna stay away it’s just too volatile for me
— Bryan Wynn (@BryanWynn10) June 17, 2021
Matthew Wolff ends up -1 with 8 birdies. What a maestro! pic.twitter.com/QTfNOHaV0O
— Ryan Swaggart (@ryan_swaggart) June 17, 2021
First round in two months for Matt Wolff…and he makes EIGHT birdies at Torrey Pines in shooting -1 70.
— Daniel Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) June 17, 2021
How great is that?! Took guts to spend time away and get his head right. Sometimes, you gotta take one step back to take two steps forward.
Much, much respect. pic.twitter.com/WywXRYrJdY
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