Three-time US Open winner Tiger Woods has accepted a special exemption to play at America’s national championship in 2024.
Woods didn’t have a place at the 124th US Open at Pinehurst No.2 in June before the USGA’s announcement, but now he is set to make his 23rd appearance at the tournament he won for the first time in 2000.
“The US Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career,” said Woods.
“I’m honoured to receive this exemption and could not be more excited for the opportunity to compete in this year’s US Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that means so much to the game.”
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“The story of the US Open could not be written without Tiger Woods,” said USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer. “
“From his 15-stroke victory at Pebble Beach in 2000 to his inspiring win on a broken leg at Torrey Pines in 2008, this championship is simply better when Tiger is in the field, and his accomplishments in the game undoubtedly made this an easy decision for our special exemption committee.”
Tiger Woods US Open exemption comes as no surprise…
Woods won the US Open for the second time in 2002 and a third time in 2008. His most recent victory at the US Open had been his 14th and last major win before shocking the world to win the 2019 Masters.
The 48-year-old had found himself in a situation where he wasn’t exempt for a major championship for the first time since 1996. After winning the Masters five years ago, the five-year exemption this granted him at the US Open had expired. He hasn’t played in the US Open since 2020.
It is in no way unheard of for legendary players to be extended special exemptions to play in the US Open. Phil Mickelson was the last player to receive a special exemption to play in the US Open in 2021, while Jack Nicklaus was given eight of them and Arnold Palmer was given five.
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Before the 2024 PGA Tour season started, Woods said he would aim to play once a month from the Genesis Invitational in February. After withdrawing with influenza, he missed March but played at the Masters in April.
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