Even though the likes of Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson will compete at Brookline, the 2022 champion is likely to come from elsewhere.
Winner: Rory McIlroy
No player has been more critical of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV series than Rory McIlroy.
But rather than be a distraction, McIlroy’s support for the PGA Tour appears to be inspiring his game.
The Northern Irishman defended his title at the RBC Canadian Open last week, holding off a fierce challenge from Justin Thomas to win his first tournament since October.
And while it has been eight years since McIlroy claimed the last of his four majors, his recent form suggests he is getting closer to ending the drought.
The 33-year-old finished second at the Masters in April and eighth at the US PGA Championship in May.
Winner: Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm, like McIlroy, is another superstar European who could triumph this week.
Rahm is the defending champion, having claimed the first major of his career at this event 12 months ago.
The world No. 2 is in great form, too, having returned to the winner’s circle at the Mexico Open last month.
Winner: Matt Fitzpatrick
Matt Fitzpatrick comes into this event primed to win his first major.
Fitzpatrick, the highest-ranked English golfer in the world, tied for fifth at the US PGA Championship last month to achieve his best-ever major finish.
The Yorkshireman knows what it takes to triumph at Brookline, too, having won the US Amateur Championship at this course in 2013.