"I'm just at a different level than some of the other guys"- World No. 222 Daniel Berger makes bold claim after coming back from injury
Daniel Berger, currently ranked 222 in the OWGR, recently recovered from his back injury and is currently in contention to win The RSM Classic. The American golfer did not play the entirety of last season on the PGA Tour because of his severe back injury, which forced him away from the greens for over 19 months.
The 31-year-old returned to the greens this year and has been playing fairly well at this week's final FedEx Cup fall season event. After three rounds of the tournament, he is tied for third place, just two strokes behind the tournament leaders Maverick McNealy and Vince Whaley.
Daniel Berger was feeling confident and optimistic about his game heading into the final round on Sunday. Speaking about his game after recovering from injury, Berger said (via NBC Sports):
“It doesn’t really concern me because when I play 1/10th of what I’m capable of, I’m at a level that’s – it’s going to sound terrible, but I think I’m just at a different level than some of the other guys I’m competing against. Regardless, anytime you take two years off of anything competitive, it just takes a while to come back. I’m giving myself 12 more months to be where I want to be."
Daniel Berger has been impressive with his game this week. Although he started with a round of 71 on the first day, the American returned with full force in the next two rounds, shooting 66 on the second day, followed by an impressive round of 63 on the third day, settling in T3 place. The PGA Tour event will have its final on Sunday, November 24.
"I've been really positive the whole year" - Daniel Berger reflects on his return to PGA Tour
Daniel Berger also reflected on his return to the PGA Tour after the injury and his performance this season. The American missed half of the 2022 season and did not play any events last year.
He finally returned to the game in 2024 at The American Express and finished T39. The Florida State University alum was optimistic about his game and looking forward to his future performances. Speaking of his performance this season, Berger said (via NBC Sports):
“I was playing well and then something happens and you take time off and next thing you know the whole landscape of the Tour’s changed and I’m playing in events that I’ve never played in before, I’m going to places I’ve never played. It’s just a different way to look at it, but I’ve been really positive the whole year about it. Just control what I can control and that’s it.”
On the PGA Tour this season, Daniel Berger has competed in 26 tournaments despite coming back after an injury. He has had a mixed season, struggling in some tournaments, but also recording some good finishes. He made 14 cuts and has only one finish in the top 10 (at the Sanderson Farms Championship), where he finished seventh.