The site of the 2022 U.S. Open that gets underway today in Massachusetts is very familiar to former Limestone University golfer Chip Johnson.
The Country Club in Brookline is hosting now hosting the 122nd U.S. Open that serves as they national open golf championship of the United States.
Johnson, a member of Limestone’s Class of 1985, played in the U.S. Open on that very same course in 1988, finishing tied for 40th place at 6-over par. Curtis Strange won the championship by shooting six-under. Johnson actually led the tournament late in the second round.
A member of Limestone’s 1984 NAIA National Championship team, Johnson also became Limestone’s first-ever individual National Champion that same year with a four-round total of 285 to capture medalist honors.
An All-American in 1983 and 1984, Johnson teed it up for the Saints from 1982-1885.
During his collegiate career, he helped lead Limestone to three-straight NAIA District 6 Championships and three consecutive trips to the NAIA National Tournament from 1983-1985. During those national tournaments, the Saints came back with third, first, and fourth place finishes, respectively. Johnson also helped Limestone to become the first NAIA school to participate in the prestigious Southern Intercollegiate Invitational in 1983 and 1984.
Inducted into the Limestone Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997, Johnson is currently the Head Golf Professional at Hatherly Country Club in Scituate, MA.
Other highlights of Johnson’s career include competing in 2014 Senior PGA Championship; being named one of the Best Teachers in the State by “Golf Digest” in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017; competing in 2005 PGA Championship; being named as the 2003 New England PGA Teacher of the Year; and winning the 2002 New England PGA Championship.