Wolff Returns With Healthier Mental Outlook

Matthew Wolff shot a 1-under 70 Thursday in his first round since returning from a self-imposed two-month mental-health sabbatical. Photo: Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA | Matthew Wolff was in a dangerous place.

All the good work he had done early in the first round of the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines – three birdies in his first four holes to suddenly find himself in the morning lead – had gone away as quickly as it had come.

A bogey. A three-putt double bogey. Another three-putt bogey.

When his tee shot on the par-5 18th hole (his ninth) went sailing to the right, Wolff dropped his driver behind him and slumped at the disappointment.

In his first competitive round after a self-imposed two-month mental-health sabbatical from the PGA Tour, Wolff could have found a dark place in the late-morning sunshine. He’s lived it before.

The frustration. The self-loathing. The unmet expectations.

In a sense, Wolff had gone away so that when he came back the inevitable moments like this wouldn’t be so all-consuming....